Cut Foot Sioux Lake
About Cut Foot Sioux Lake
Cut Foot Sioux Lake is a 2,771-acre lake near Squaw Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 24 feet, and has roughly 27.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 6 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Williams Narrows Campground and West Seelye Bay Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Cut Foot Sioux Lake
- 2,771 acres, up to 78 feet deep, near Squaw Lake
- 6 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 12.2 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Williams Narrows Campground and West Seelye Bay Campground
- Listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,771 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Average depth
- 24 ft
- Shoreline
- 27.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,324 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
Facilities
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Williams Narrows Campground, West Seelye Bay Campground, and East Seelye Bay Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
- Walleye: All from 18-23" must be immediately released. One over 23" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Williams Narrows Campground, West Seelye Bay Campground, East Seelye Bay Campground, and North Deer Lake Campground are mapped on or near Cut Foot Sioux 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 Cut Foot Sioux Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River619 acres
2.2 miles away
Lake Winnibigoshish
79 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Bena56,471 acres
6.3 miles away
Little Winnibigoshish Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River1,002 acres
6.4 miles away
Little Ball Club Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River185 acres
6.8 miles away
Portage Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Inger715 acres
7.4 miles away
Bowstring Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River9,528 acres
7.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cut Foot Sioux Lake?
Cut Foot Sioux Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. It covers 2,771 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cut Foot Sioux Lake?
Cut Foot Sioux Lake covers 2,771 acres with about 27.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet and its average depth is about 24 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cut Foot Sioux Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cut Foot Sioux Lake?
Yes. Cut Foot Sioux Lake has 6 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cut Foot Sioux Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cut Foot Sioux 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 Cut Foot Sioux Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cut Foot Sioux Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cut Foot Sioux Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. All from 18-23" must be immediately released. One over 23" allowed in possession.
Can you camp at Cut Foot Sioux Lake?
Yes. Williams Narrows Campground, West Seelye Bay Campground, and East Seelye Bay Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Cut Foot Sioux Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cut Foot Sioux Lake as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.