Topaz Lake
About Topaz Lake
Topaz Lake is a 150-acre lake near Prairie Portage in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 73 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. 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 2 fish species here, including yellow perch and burbot. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Topaz Lake
- 150 acres, up to 73 feet deep, near Prairie Portage
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: yellow perch and burbot
- Average water clarity around 19 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
- 150 acres
- Max depth
- 73 ft
- Shoreline
- 5 mi
- Water clarity
- 19 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 29 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 (2 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
- 2
- Game fish
- 2
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Topaz 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 Topaz Lake
Compare Topaz Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Cherry Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage153 acres
1 miles away
Amoeber Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage410 acres
1.1 miles away
Gijikiki Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage113 acres
1.6 miles away
Little Knife Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely700 acres
1.6 miles away
Hanson Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage289 acres
2.1 miles away
Eddy Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage122 acres
2.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Topaz Lake?
Topaz Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Prairie Portage. It covers 150 acres and reaches 73 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Topaz Lake?
Topaz Lake covers 150 acres with about 5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 73 feet.
What fish can you catch at Topaz Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Yellow Perch and Burbot. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Topaz Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Topaz Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Topaz 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 Topaz Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Topaz Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Topaz Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.