Fall Lake
About Fall Lake
Fall Lake is a 2,258-acre lake near Winton in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 30.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.4 feet. 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 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows Fall Lake Campground Beach on or beside the lake. Fall Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 28, based on 130 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Fall Lake
- 2,258 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Winton
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.4 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Fall Lake Campground Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Fall Lake Campground
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,258 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Shoreline
- 30.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,178 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
Facilities
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- 2 portage accesses
- Swim beach: Fall Lake Campground Beach
- Camping: Fall Lake Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 28
- Years of record
- 130
- Earliest
- March 27, 2012
- Latest
- May 19, 1950
- Most recent
- April 28, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Fall Lake Campground is mapped on or near Fall 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 Fall Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fall Lake?
Fall Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Winton. It covers 2,258 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fall Lake?
Fall Lake covers 2,258 acres with about 30.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fall Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Fall Lake?
Yes. Fall Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Fall Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Fall Lake Campground Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Fall Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Fall Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Fall Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 28, from 130 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 27, 2012 and the latest is May 19, 1950.
Can you camp at Fall Lake?
Yes. Fall Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Fall Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Fall Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.