Farm Lake
About Farm Lake
Farm Lake is a 1,292-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 20 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There are 5 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 19 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Farm Lake
- 1,292 acres, up to 56 feet deep, near Ely
- 5 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 6.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,292 acres
- Max depth
- 56 ft
- Shoreline
- 20 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 459 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
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 27
- Years of record
- 19
- Earliest
- April 1, 2010
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- April 27, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Farm 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 Farm Lake
Compare Farm Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Farm Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
South Farm Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely564 acres
1.8 miles away
Garden Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely653 acres
1.8 miles away
Pickerel Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely182 acres
3.3 miles away
Stub Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Silver Rapids89 acres
3.4 miles away
White Iron Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely3,237 acres
3.5 miles away
Fall Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Winton2,258 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Farm Lake?
Farm Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 1,292 acres and reaches 56 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Farm Lake?
Farm Lake covers 1,292 acres with about 20 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 56 feet.
What fish can you catch at Farm 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 Farm Lake?
Yes. Farm Lake has 5 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Farm Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Farm Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Farm Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Farm Lake?
Yes. All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Farm Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 19 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 1, 2010 and the latest is May 14, 2013.
Can you camp at Farm Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.