South Farm Lake
About South Farm Lake
South Farm Lake is a 564-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 31 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. 3 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to South Farm Lake
- 564 acres, up to 31 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.2 feet
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 564 acres
- Max depth
- 31 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 360 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
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping (3 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
3 campgrounds are mapped on or near South Farm 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 South Farm Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Farm Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely1,292 acres
1.8 miles away
Pickerel Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely182 acres
2.3 miles away
Clear Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely248 acres
2.8 miles away
Garden Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely653 acres
3.4 miles away
Stub Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Silver Rapids89 acres
3.8 miles away
Little Gabbro Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Silver Rapids148 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Farm Lake?
South Farm Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 564 acres and reaches 31 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Farm Lake?
South Farm Lake covers 564 acres with about 10.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 31 feet.
What fish can you catch at South Farm Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on South Farm Lake?
Yes. South Farm Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at South Farm Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South Farm 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 South Farm Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for South Farm Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on South Farm Lake?
Yes. All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Can you camp at South Farm Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.