Newfound Lake
About Newfound Lake
Newfound Lake is a 643-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.2 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 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. 23 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Newfound Lake
- 643 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Ely
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 12.2 feet — very clear
- 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 643 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 119 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
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- 3 portage accesses
- Camping (23 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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
23 campgrounds are mapped on or near Newfound 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 Newfound Lake
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See how Newfound Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Manomin Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage409 acres
1.9 miles away
Sucker Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely393 acres
2 miles away
Snowbank Lake
79 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely4,655 acres
3.1 miles away
Moose Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely1,301 acres
3.3 miles away
Birch Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely836 acres
4 miles away
Wind Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage926 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Newfound Lake?
Newfound Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 643 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Newfound Lake?
Newfound Lake covers 643 acres with about 14.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Newfound Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Lake Whitefish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Newfound Lake?
Yes. Newfound Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Newfound Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Newfound 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 Newfound Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Newfound Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Newfound Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.