Harris Lake
About Harris Lake
Harris Lake is a 122-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 13 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 6 feet, and has roughly 5.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.4 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including walleye, muskellunge, black crappie, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Harris Lake
- 122 acres, up to 13 feet deep, near Ely
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, muskellunge, black crappie, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 122 acres
- Max depth
- 13 ft
- Average depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 122 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
- 1 carry-in access
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 4
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Harris Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Harris Lake?
Harris Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 122 acres and reaches 13 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Harris Lake?
Harris Lake covers 122 acres with about 5.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 13 feet and its average depth is about 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at Harris Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Muskellunge, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Harris Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Harris Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Harris 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 Harris Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Harris Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.