Three Lake
About Three Lake
Three Lake is a 904-acre lake near Forest Center in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 19 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.3 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 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and burbot. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Three Lake
- 904 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Forest Center
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and burbot
- Average water clarity around 7.3 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 904 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 19 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 388 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- 1 portage access
- Camping (2 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- 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
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Three 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 Three Lake
Compare Three Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Three Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Horseshoe Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Forest Center205 acres
1.2 miles away
Two Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely516 acres
1.7 miles away
Four Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Forest Center611 acres
2.2 miles away
North Wilder Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella100 acres
2.6 miles away
One Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely846 acres
3.1 miles away
Clearwater Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Silver Rapids640 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Three Lake?
Three Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Forest Center. It covers 904 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Three Lake?
Three Lake covers 904 acres with about 19 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet.
What fish can you catch at Three Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Lake Whitefish, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Three Lake?
Yes. Three Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Three Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Three 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 Three Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Three Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Three Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.