Armstrong Lake
About Armstrong Lake
Armstrong Lake is a 382-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Armstrong Lake
- 382 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 14.4 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 382 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 102 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
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Armstrong Lake
Compare Armstrong Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Armstrong Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Armstrong Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Armstrong Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Armstrong Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Clear Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely113 acres
0.8 miles away
West Robinson Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely121 acres
1.5 miles away
Eagles Nest #1 Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely324 acres
1.6 miles away
Eagles Nest No. Four Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely178 acres
1.7 miles away
Eagles Nest #3 Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Soudan1,028 acres
2.5 miles away
Mud Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely176 acres
2.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Armstrong Lake?
Armstrong Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 382 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Armstrong Lake?
Armstrong Lake covers 382 acres with about 4.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet.
What fish can you catch at Armstrong Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Armstrong Lake?
Yes. Armstrong Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Armstrong Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Armstrong 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 Armstrong Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Armstrong Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.