Birch Lake
About Birch Lake
Birch Lake is an 836-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 27.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side. 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 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2017.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. 17 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Birch Lake
- 836 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 11.5 feet
- Camping close to the water
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 836 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 27.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 342 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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 3 portage accesses
- Camping (17 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- 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
17 campgrounds are mapped on or near Birch 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 Birch Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Ensign Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely1,411 acres
2.2 miles away
Sucker Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely393 acres
2.2 miles away
Vera Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely250 acres
3.5 miles away
Boot Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage197 acres
3.6 miles away
Ashigan Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage153 acres
3.8 miles away
Newfound Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely643 acres
4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 836 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake covers 836 acres with about 27.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet.
What fish can you catch at Birch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Birch Lake?
Yes. Birch Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Birch Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Birch 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 Birch Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Birch Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Birch Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.