---
type: lake
name: "Boot Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Prairie Portage"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 197
max_depth_ft: 83
latitude: 48.01407
longitude: -91.36182
lake_score: 44
dnr_lake_id: "38050300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/boot-lake
---

# Boot Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Prairie Portage

- **Surface Area**: 197 acres
- **Max Depth**: 83 ft
- **Shoreline**: 4.6 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 14.2 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 44/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Boot Lake is a 197-acre lake near Prairie Portage in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 83 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.2 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.

The DNR has no fish survey on file for this lake, so treat any fishing as exploratory.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 3 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

## Activities

Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

No DNR fish survey on file

## Nearby Lakes

- [Ensign Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ensign-lake) - 1.7 miles, 1,411 acres
- [Ashigan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ashigan-lake) - 1.8 miles, 153 acres
- [Disappointment Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/disappointment-lake) - 2 miles, 894 acres
- [Jordan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/jordan-lake) - 2.6 miles, 142 acres
- [Snowbank Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/snowbank-lake) - 3.4 miles, 4,655 acres
- [Birch Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/birch-lake) - 3.6 miles, 836 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.01407,-91.36182)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38050300)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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