---
type: lake
name: "Snowbank Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 4655
max_depth_ft: 150
latitude: 47.98423
longitude: -91.4191
lake_score: 79
dnr_lake_id: "38052900"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/snowbank-lake
---

# Snowbank Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 4,655 acres
- **Max Depth**: 150 ft
- **Shoreline**: 43.1 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 17.2 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 79/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 9
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Invasive Species

spiny waterflea. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Ice-Out

- **Median ice-out**: April 29
- **Years of record**: 15
- **Earliest**: 2012-03-30
- **Latest**: 2008-05-12

## Nearby Lakes

- [Parent Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/parent-lake) - 1.8 miles, 451 acres
- [Disappointment Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/disappointment-lake) - 2.7 miles, 894 acres
- [Newfound Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/newfound-lake) - 3.1 miles, 643 acres
- [Boot Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/boot-lake) - 3.4 miles, 197 acres
- [Moose Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/moose-lake) - 4.1 miles, 1,301 acres
- [Sucker Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/sucker-lake) - 4.6 miles, 393 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.98423,-91.4191)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38052900)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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