Snowbank Lake
About Snowbank Lake
Snowbank Lake is a 4,655-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 150 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 43.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.2 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. 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 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, lake trout, and burbot. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. 10 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 29, based on 15 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Snowbank Lake
- 4,655 acres, up to 150 feet deep, near Ely
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, lake trout, and burbot
- Average water clarity around 17.2 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
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 4,655 acres
- Max depth
- 150 ft
- Shoreline
- 43.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 879 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 trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
- 5 portage accesses
- Camping (10 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 29
- Years of record
- 15
- Earliest
- March 30, 2012
- Latest
- May 12, 2008
- Most recent
- April 16, 2017
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
10 campgrounds are mapped on or near Snowbank 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 Snowbank Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Parent Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely451 acres
1.8 miles away
Disappointment Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely894 acres
2.7 miles away
Newfound Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely643 acres
3.1 miles away
Boot Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage197 acres
3.4 miles away
Moose Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely1,301 acres
4.1 miles away
Sucker Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely393 acres
4.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Snowbank Lake?
Snowbank Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 4,655 acres and reaches 150 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Snowbank Lake?
Snowbank Lake covers 4,655 acres with about 43.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 150 feet.
What fish can you catch at Snowbank Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Snowbank Lake?
Yes. Snowbank Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Snowbank Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Snowbank 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 Snowbank Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Snowbank Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Snowbank Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 29, from 15 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 30, 2012 and the latest is May 12, 2008.
Can you camp at Snowbank Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Snowbank Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Snowbank Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.