Ban Lake
About Ban Lake
Ban Lake is a 389-acre lake near Orr in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Ban Lake
- 389 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Orr
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — 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 5.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 389 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 389 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 Ban Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Elbow Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Gheen1,695 acres
2.1 miles away
Myrtle Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr876 acres
2.7 miles away
Lake Susan
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Wakemup276 acres
4.1 miles away
Winchester Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr319 acres
4.7 miles away
Kjostad Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck437 acres
5.4 miles away
Clear Lake
15 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck145 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ban Lake?
Ban Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Orr. It covers 389 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ban Lake?
Ban Lake covers 389 acres with about 7.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ban Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ban Lake?
Yes. Ban Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ban Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ban 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 Ban Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ban Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.