Canisteo Pit
About Canisteo Pit
Canisteo Pit is a 1,458-acre mine pit lake near Coleraine in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 311 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 81 feet, and has roughly 18 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 29 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2010.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Canisteo Pit
- 1,458 acres, up to 311 feet deep, near Coleraine
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and lake trout
- Average water clarity around 29 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,458 acres
- Max depth
- 311 ft
- Average depth
- 81 ft
- Shoreline
- 18 mi
- Water clarity
- 29 ft
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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Mine pit lakes drop off steeply right from shore and stay cold at depth
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2010
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Canisteo Pit
Compare Canisteo Pit against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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South Twin Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Canisteo Pit?
Canisteo Pit is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Coleraine. It covers 1,458 acres and reaches 311 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Canisteo Pit?
Canisteo Pit covers 1,458 acres with about 18 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 311 feet and its average depth is about 81 feet.
What fish can you catch at Canisteo Pit?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Canisteo Pit?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Canisteo Pit.
Can you swim at Canisteo Pit?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Canisteo Pit. 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 Canisteo Pit stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Canisteo Pit; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Canisteo Pit have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Canisteo Pit as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.