---
type: lake
name: "Whitefish Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Tofte"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 346
max_depth_ft: 49
latitude: 47.70968
longitude: -91.04085
lake_score: 55
dnr_lake_id: "38006000"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/whitefish-lake
---

# Whitefish Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Tofte

- **Surface Area**: 346 acres
- **Max Depth**: 49 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3.6 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 16.8 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 55/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Whitefish Lake is a 346-acre lake near Tofte in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 49 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.8 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 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and brook trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Whitefish Lake is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 5
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Whitefish Lake

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Brook Trout, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Cross River](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/cross-river) - 1.8 miles, 79 acres
- [Elbow Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elbow-lake) - 1.9 miles, 528 acres
- [Finger Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/finger-lake) - 2.3 miles, 204 acres
- [Windy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/windy-lake) - 2.4 miles, 456 acres
- [Frear Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/frear-lake) - 3 miles, 317 acres
- [Wilson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/wilson-lake) - 3.1 miles, 650 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.70968,-91.04085)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38006000)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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