---
type: lake
name: "Kawishiwi Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Tofte"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 372
max_depth_ft: 12
latitude: 47.84623
longitude: -91.11119
lake_score: 49
dnr_lake_id: "38008000"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/kawishiwi-lake
---

# Kawishiwi Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Tofte

- **Surface Area**: 372 acres
- **Max Depth**: 12 ft
- **Shoreline**: 11 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 6.2 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Carry-in access only
- **Lake Score**: 49/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Kawishiwi Lake is a 372-acre lake near Tofte in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.2 feet.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Kawishiwi Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Carry-in access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 8
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Kawishiwi Lake Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Green Sunfish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Square Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/square-lake) - 1.3 miles, 123 acres
- [Kawasachong Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/kawasachong-lake) - 2 miles, 162 acres
- [Perent Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/perent-lake) - 3.5 miles, 1,598 acres
- [Polly Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/polly-lake) - 4 miles, 485 acres
- [Phoebe Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/phoebe-lake) - 4.7 miles, 610 acres
- [Coffee Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/coffee-lake) - 5 miles, 129 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.84623,-91.11119)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38008000)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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