Tofte Lake
About Tofte Lake
Tofte Lake is a 134-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 73 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including rainbow trout and splake. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
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 Tofte Lake
- 134 acres, up to 73 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: rainbow trout and splake
- Average water clarity around 17 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 134 acres
- Max depth
- 73 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 17 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 42 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 trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping (3 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 3
- Game fish
- 2
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 Tofte 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 Tofte Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Wood Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage617 acres
1.1 miles away
Jasper Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage175 acres
1.3 miles away
Ojibway Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely367 acres
1.9 miles away
Triangle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely300 acres
2.3 miles away
Hula Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage131 acres
2.5 miles away
Greenstone Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely332 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tofte Lake?
Tofte Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 134 acres and reaches 73 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Tofte Lake?
Tofte Lake covers 134 acres with about 4.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 73 feet.
What fish can you catch at Tofte Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Rainbow Trout and Splake. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Tofte Lake?
Yes. Tofte 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 Tofte Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Tofte 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 Tofte Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Tofte Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Tofte Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.