Boulder Lake
About Boulder Lake
Boulder Lake is a 3,260-acre lake near Duluth in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 35.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and burbot. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. Buzz Ryan Campsites is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Boulder Lake
- 3,260 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Duluth
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and burbot
- Average water clarity around 5.5 feet
- Camping close to the water at Buzz Ryan Campsites
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 3,260 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 35.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 3,207 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
- Camping: Buzz Ryan Campsites
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Buzz Ryan Campsites is mapped on or near Boulder Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Boulder Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Island Lake Reservoir
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth8,001 acres
3.4 miles away
Morgan Lake
17 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth104 acres
4.9 miles away
Schultz Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Fredenberg210 acres
5.2 miles away
Flowage
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth112 acres
5.3 miles away
Thompson Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Fredenberg207 acres
5.4 miles away
Alden Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth190 acres
6.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Boulder Lake?
Boulder Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Duluth. It covers 3,260 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Boulder Lake?
Boulder Lake covers 3,260 acres with about 35.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Boulder Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Boulder Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Boulder Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Boulder 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 Boulder Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Boulder Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Boulder Lake?
Yes. Buzz Ryan Campsites is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.