Koma Lake
About Koma Lake
Koma Lake is a 250-acre lake near Forest Center in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 14 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer. 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 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch, burbot, and lake whitefish. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2013.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 6 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Koma Lake
- 250 acres, up to 14 feet deep, near Forest Center
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch, burbot, and lake whitefish
- Average water clarity around 3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 250 acres
- Max depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 250 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
- 2 portage accesses
- Camping (6 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- Ice fishing
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2013
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
6 campgrounds are mapped on or near Koma 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 Koma Lake
Compare Koma Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Malberg Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella398 acres
1.4 miles away
Polly Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella485 acres
2.1 miles away
Amber Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Forest Center121 acres
3.9 miles away
Beaver Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage218 acres
4 miles away
Kawasachong Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Forest Center162 acres
4.1 miles away
Adams Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely475 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Koma Lake?
Koma Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Forest Center. It covers 250 acres and reaches 14 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Koma Lake?
Koma Lake covers 250 acres with about 5.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Koma Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Lake Whitefish, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Koma Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Koma Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Koma 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 Koma Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Koma Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Koma Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.