Tin Can Mike Lake
About Tin Can Mike Lake
Tin Can Mike Lake is a 145-acre lake near Winton in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. 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 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2016.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 4 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Tin Can Mike Lake
- 145 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Winton
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 13 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
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 145 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 13 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 94 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 portage accesses
- Camping (4 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2016
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
4 campgrounds are mapped on or near Tin Can Mike 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 Tin Can Mike Lake
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Nearby Lakes
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Boot Lake
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Picket Lake
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Fairy Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Winton109 acres
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Moosecamp Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tin Can Mike Lake?
Tin Can Mike Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Winton. It covers 145 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Tin Can Mike Lake?
Tin Can Mike Lake covers 145 acres with about 3.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Tin Can Mike Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Tin Can Mike Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Tin Can Mike Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Tin Can Mike 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 Tin Can Mike Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Tin Can Mike Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Tin Can Mike Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.