Pughole Lake
About Pughole Lake
Pughole Lake is a 158-acre lake near Grand Rapids in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Pug Hole Wayside Park is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Pughole Lake
- 158 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Grand Rapids
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 7.3 feet
- Camping close to the water at Pug Hole Wayside Park
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 158 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 4 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 141 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Pug Hole Wayside Park
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Pug Hole Wayside Park is mapped on or near Pughole 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 Pughole Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi46 acres
1.2 miles away
Johnson Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids434 acres
1.5 miles away
Hill Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids46 acres
1.6 miles away
Bluewater Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids364 acres
1.7 miles away
Amen Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi215 acres
2.2 miles away
Orange Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell104 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pughole Lake?
Pughole Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. It covers 158 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pughole Lake?
Pughole Lake covers 158 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pughole Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pughole Lake?
Yes. Pughole Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pughole Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pughole 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 Pughole Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Pughole Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Pughole Lake?
Yes. Pug Hole Wayside Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.