Sucker Lake
About Sucker Lake
Sucker Lake is a 393-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 31 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side. 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 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. 5 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Sucker Lake
- 393 acres, up to 31 feet deep, near Ely
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 12.8 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
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 393 acres
- Max depth
- 31 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 178 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- 2 portage accesses
- Camping (5 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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
5 campgrounds are mapped on or near Sucker 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 Sucker Lake
Compare Sucker Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Sucker Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Newfound Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely643 acres
2 miles away
Birch Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely836 acres
2.2 miles away
Manomin Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage409 acres
2.3 miles away
Ensign Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely1,411 acres
3.4 miles away
Boot Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage197 acres
4 miles away
Snowbank Lake
79 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely4,655 acres
4.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sucker Lake?
Sucker Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 393 acres and reaches 31 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sucker Lake?
Sucker Lake covers 393 acres with about 11.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 31 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sucker Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, 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 Sucker Lake?
Yes. Sucker Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sucker Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sucker 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 Sucker Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Sucker Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Sucker Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.