---
type: lake
name: "Big Moose Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 1025
max_depth_ft: 23
latitude: 48.04443
longitude: -92.08359
lake_score: 48
dnr_lake_id: "69031600"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/big-moose-lake
---

# Big Moose Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 1,025 acres
- **Max Depth**: 23 ft
- **Shoreline**: 9.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 7.7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 48/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Big Moose Lake is a 1,025-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.7 feet. 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, smallmouth bass, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 5 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: 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**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Duck Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/duck-lake) - 2.5 miles, 119 acres
- [Big Rice Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/big-rice-lake-burntside-lake) - 2.8 miles, 403 acres
- [Niswi Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/niswi-lake) - 2.9 miles, 105 acres
- [Cummings Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/cummings-lake) - 3.8 miles, 1,038 acres
- [Coxey Pond](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/coxey-pond) - 4.2 miles, 192 acres
- [Big Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/big-lake) - 4.4 miles, 1,904 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.04443,-92.08359)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69031600)
- [All lakes in St. Louis County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/big-moose-lake)*