---
type: lake
name: "Adams Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 475
max_depth_ft: 84
latitude: 47.99342
longitude: -91.13019
lake_score: 60
dnr_lake_id: "38015300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/adams-lake
---

# Adams Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 475 acres
- **Max Depth**: 84 ft
- **Shoreline**: 17.2 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 13.5 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 60/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Adams Lake is a 475-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 84 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 17.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake whitefish, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 5 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 6
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Lake Whitefish, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Boulder Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/boulder-lake) - 1.4 miles, 259 acres
- [Beaver Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/beaver-lake) - 1.6 miles, 218 acres
- [Sagus Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/sagus-lake) - 2.2 miles, 160 acres
- [Malberg Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/malberg-lake) - 2.9 miles, 398 acres
- [Fraser Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/fraser-lake) - 3 miles, 695 acres
- [Raven Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/raven-lake) - 3.1 miles, 179 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.99342,-91.13019)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38015300)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/adams-lake)*