Square Lake
About Square Lake
Square Lake is a 123-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5 feet. 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 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2015.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. 3 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Square Lake
- 123 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near Isabella
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 5 feet
- 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 123 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 123 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
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 2 portage accesses
- Camping (3 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
- 7
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2015
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
3 campgrounds are mapped on or near Square 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 Square Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Kawasachong Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Forest Center162 acres
1.1 miles away
Kawishiwi Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Tofte372 acres
1.3 miles away
Polly Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella485 acres
2.8 miles away
Perent Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Forest Center1,598 acres
4.6 miles away
Koma Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Forest Center250 acres
4.8 miles away
Phoebe Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Forest Center610 acres
5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Square Lake?
Square Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 123 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Square Lake?
Square Lake covers 123 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Square Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Square Lake?
Yes. Square Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Square Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Square 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 Square Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Square Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Square Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.