West Pike Lake
About West Pike Lake
West Pike Lake is a 788-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 120 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 22 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including smallmouth bass, lake trout, burbot, and tullibee (cisco). The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. West Pike Lake #1 and West Pike Lake #2 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to West Pike Lake
- 788 acres, up to 120 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: smallmouth bass, lake trout, burbot, and tullibee (cisco)
- Average water clarity around 22 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at West Pike Lake #1 and West Pike Lake #2
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 788 acres
- Max depth
- 120 ft
- Shoreline
- 10 mi
- Water clarity
- 22 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 224 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: West Pike Lake #1, West Pike Lake #2, and West Pike Lake #3
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
West Pike Lake #1, West Pike Lake #2, West Pike Lake #3, and West Pike Lake #5 are mapped on or near West Pike Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to West Pike Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Mountain Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais1,993 acres
1.9 miles away
Pine Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland2,122 acres
2.2 miles away
Lake Crystal
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill206 acres
3 miles away
Long Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland148 acres
3.7 miles away
East Pike Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland554 acres
4.1 miles away
Stump Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland254 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West Pike Lake?
West Pike Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 788 acres and reaches 120 feet deep.
How big and how deep is West Pike Lake?
West Pike Lake covers 788 acres with about 10 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 120 feet.
What fish can you catch at West Pike Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout, Burbot, and Tullibee (Cisco). A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on West Pike Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at West Pike Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at West Pike Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is West Pike Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for West Pike Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at West Pike Lake?
Yes. West Pike Lake #1, West Pike Lake #2, and West Pike Lake #3 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.