Hogback Lake
About Hogback Lake
Hogback Lake is a 40-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 43 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 13 feet, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. 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 5 fish species here, including yellow perch, rainbow trout, brook trout, and splake. 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 2020.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Hogback Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Hogback Lake
- 40 acres, up to 43 feet deep, near Isabella
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: yellow perch, rainbow trout, brook trout, and splake
- Average water clarity around 13.9 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Hogback Lake Campground
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 40 acres
- Max depth
- 43 ft
- Average depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 24 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 trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- 1 portage access
- Camping: Hogback Lake Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Hogback Lake Campground is mapped on or near Hogback 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 Hogback Lake
Compare Hogback Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Dam Five Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella78 acres
1.7 miles away
Sister Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Sawbill Landing125 acres
1.9 miles away
Lake Harriet
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella265 acres
2.1 miles away
Little Wilson Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Schroeder55 acres
3.3 miles away
Wilson Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Schroeder650 acres
3.5 miles away
Crooked Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Finland272 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hogback Lake?
Hogback Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 40 acres and reaches 43 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hogback Lake?
Hogback Lake covers 40 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 43 feet and its average depth is about 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hogback Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Splake. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Hogback Lake?
Yes. Hogback Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Hogback Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hogback 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 Hogback Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Hogback Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Hogback Lake?
Yes. Hogback Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.