---
type: lake
name: "Pickerel Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 182
max_depth_ft: 13
latitude: 47.92017
longitude: -91.66503
lake_score: 49
dnr_lake_id: "38074100"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/pickerel-lake
---

# Pickerel Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 182 acres
- **Max Depth**: 13 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 49/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Pickerel Lake is an 182-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 13 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7 feet. 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 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service, county
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 7
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2023
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Clear Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/clear-lake) - 2 miles, 248 acres
- [South Farm Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/south-farm-lake) - 2.3 miles, 564 acres
- [Greenstone Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/greenstone-lake) - 2.6 miles, 332 acres
- [Stub Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/stub-lake) - 2.6 miles, 89 acres
- [Farm Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/farm-lake) - 3.3 miles, 1,292 acres
- [Garden Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/garden-lake) - 3.8 miles, 653 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.92017,-91.66503)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38074100)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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