Ash Lake
About Ash Lake
Ash Lake is a 690-acre lake near International Falls in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. Ice typically goes out around April 25, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Ash Lake
- 690 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near International Falls
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 7.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 690 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 6 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 195 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
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 25
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- March 26, 2012
- Latest
- May 9, 2014
- Most recent
- April 28, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ash Lake
Compare Ash Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Ash Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Black Duck Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ash Lake1,250 acres
5.4 miles away
Chub Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ash Lake126 acres
7.8 miles away
Elephant Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ash Lake728 acres
8.9 miles away
Silver Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Cusson129 acres
9 miles away
Pelican Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr11,546 acres
10.7 miles away
Moose Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr929 acres
11.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ash Lake?
Ash Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near International Falls. It covers 690 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ash Lake?
Ash Lake covers 690 acres with about 6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ash Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ash Lake?
Yes. Ash Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ash Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ash 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 Ash Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ash Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Ash Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
When does the ice go out on Ash Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 25, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 26, 2012 and the latest is May 9, 2014.