---
type: lake
name: "Watap Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Maple Hill"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 199
max_depth_ft: 45
latitude: 48.10122
longitude: -90.3243
lake_score: 36
dnr_lake_id: "16013800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/watap-lake
---

# Watap Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Maple Hill

- **Surface Area**: 199 acres
- **Max Depth**: 45 ft
- **Shoreline**: 10.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 14.8 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 36/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)
- **Border Water**: shared with Canada

## About

Watap Lake is a 199-acre lake near Maple Hill in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.

The DNR has no fish survey on file for this lake, so treat any fishing as exploratory.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Activities

Paddling, Canoe Tripping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access

## Fish Species

No DNR fish survey on file

## Nearby Lakes

- [Clearwater Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/clearwater-lake) - 1.4 miles, 1,344 acres
- [Caribou Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/caribou-lake-grand-marais) - 2.3 miles, 462 acres
- [Moon Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/moon-lake) - 3 miles, 148 acres
- [Alder Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/alder-lake) - 4.1 miles, 529 acres
- [Daniels Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/daniels-lake) - 4.1 miles, 509 acres
- [East Bearskin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/east-bearskin-lake) - 4.4 miles, 593 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.10122,-90.3243)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16013800)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/watap-lake)*