---
type: lake
name: "Sucker Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 393
max_depth_ft: 31
latitude: 48.04994
longitude: -91.43005
lake_score: 66
dnr_lake_id: "38053000"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/sucker-lake
---

# Sucker Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 393 acres
- **Max Depth**: 31 ft
- **Shoreline**: 11.2 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 12.8 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 66/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)
- **Border Water**: shared with Canada

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 11
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **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, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Newfound Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/newfound-lake) - 2 miles, 643 acres
- [Birch Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/birch-lake) - 2.2 miles, 836 acres
- [Manomin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/manomin-lake) - 2.3 miles, 409 acres
- [Ensign Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ensign-lake) - 3.4 miles, 1,411 acres
- [Boot Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/boot-lake) - 4 miles, 197 acres
- [Snowbank Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/snowbank-lake) - 4.6 miles, 4,655 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.04994,-91.43005)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38053000)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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