Dark Lake
About Dark Lake
Dark Lake is a 120-acre lake near Gemmell in Koochiching County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Dark Lake
- 120 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Gemmell
- 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 yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 7.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 120 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 70 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Dark Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Clear Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreKoochiching · Gemmell89 acres
0.7 miles away
Seretha Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreKoochiching · Northome57 acres
3.7 miles away
Moose Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Northome412 acres
9.3 miles away
Bartlett Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreKoochiching · Northome304 acres
9.7 miles away
Island Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Northome3,108 acres
11.9 miles away
Battle Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreKoochiching · Northome286 acres
12.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dark Lake?
Dark Lake is in Koochiching County, Minnesota, near Gemmell. It covers 120 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dark Lake?
Dark Lake covers 120 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dark Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Dark Lake?
Yes. Dark Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Dark Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dark 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 Dark Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Dark Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.