---
type: lake
name: "Birch Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 836
max_depth_ft: 34
latitude: 48.06368
longitude: -91.38725
lake_score: 66
dnr_lake_id: "38053200"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/birch-lake
---

# Birch Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 836 acres
- **Max Depth**: 34 ft
- **Shoreline**: 27.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 11.5 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 66/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)
- **Border Water**: shared with Canada

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 9
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2017
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Ensign Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ensign-lake) - 2.2 miles, 1,411 acres
- [Sucker Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/sucker-lake) - 2.2 miles, 393 acres
- [Vera Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/vera-lake) - 3.5 miles, 250 acres
- [Boot Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/boot-lake) - 3.6 miles, 197 acres
- [Ashigan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ashigan-lake) - 3.8 miles, 153 acres
- [Newfound Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/newfound-lake) - 4 miles, 643 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.06368,-91.38725)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38053200)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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