---
type: lake
name: "Cherry Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Prairie Portage"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 153
max_depth_ft: 100
latitude: 48.13637
longitude: -91.10381
lake_score: 61
dnr_lake_id: "38016600"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/cherry-lake
---

# Cherry Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Prairie Portage

- **Surface Area**: 153 acres
- **Max Depth**: 100 ft
- **Shoreline**: 4.3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 23.5 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 61/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Cherry Lake is a 153-acre lake near Prairie Portage in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 100 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 23.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. 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, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, lake trout, and burbot. 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. 4 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, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Topaz Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/topaz-lake) - 1 miles, 150 acres
- [Hanson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/hanson-lake) - 1.1 miles, 289 acres
- [Gijikiki Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/gijikiki-lake) - 1.2 miles, 113 acres
- [Rabbit Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/rabbit-lake) - 1.9 miles, 117 acres
- [Amoeber Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/amoeber-lake) - 2.2 miles, 410 acres
- [Ottertrack Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ottertrack-lake) - 2.3 miles, 1,134 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.13637,-91.10381)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38016600)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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