Quadga Lake
About Quadga Lake
Quadga Lake is a 251-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13 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 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2014.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 4 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Quadga Lake
- 251 acres, up to 35 feet deep, near Isabella
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 13 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
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 251 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 13 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 157 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
- 1 portage access
- Camping (4 mapped)
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
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2014
- 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
4 campgrounds are mapped on or near Quadga 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 Quadga Lake
Compare Quadga Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Quadga Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Bog Lake
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3 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Forest Center205 acres
4.2 miles away
North Wilder Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella100 acres
4.7 miles away
Three Lake
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5.1 miles away
Bald Eagle Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Silver Rapids1,243 acres
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Clearwater Lake
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5.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Quadga Lake?
Quadga Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 251 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Quadga Lake?
Quadga Lake covers 251 acres with about 4.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 feet.
What fish can you catch at Quadga Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Quadga Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Quadga Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Quadga 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 Quadga Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Quadga Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Quadga Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.