Cedar Lake
About Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is a 465-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and tullibee (cisco). 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 are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Cedar Lake
- 465 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Ely
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and tullibee (cisco)
- Average water clarity around 11.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 465 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 156 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- 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 Cedar Lake
Compare Cedar Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Browns Lake
21 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely219 acres
1.5 miles away
Hobo Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely74 acres
1.7 miles away
Fall Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Winton2,258 acres
2.1 miles away
Low Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely316 acres
2.4 miles away
Bass Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely169 acres
2.8 miles away
Garden Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely653 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 465 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake covers 465 acres with about 11.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cedar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco). A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cedar Lake?
Yes. Cedar Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cedar Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cedar 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 Cedar Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cedar Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.