---
type: lake
name: "South Farm Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 564
max_depth_ft: 31
latitude: 47.89144
longitude: -91.69196
lake_score: 61
dnr_lake_id: "38077800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/south-farm-lake
---

# South Farm Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 564 acres
- **Max Depth**: 31 ft
- **Shoreline**: 10.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 5.2 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 61/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 11
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Walleye**: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Nearby Lakes

- [Farm Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/farm-lake) - 1.8 miles, 1,292 acres
- [Pickerel Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/pickerel-lake) - 2.3 miles, 182 acres
- [Clear Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/clear-lake) - 2.8 miles, 248 acres
- [Garden Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/garden-lake) - 3.4 miles, 653 acres
- [Stub Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/stub-lake) - 3.8 miles, 89 acres
- [Little Gabbro Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/little-gabbro-lake) - 4.1 miles, 148 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.89144,-91.69196)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38077800)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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