Burntside Lake
About Burntside Lake
Burntside Lake is a 7,314-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 126 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 103.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18.1 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. 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 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 are 6 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service, and county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. 10 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 30, based on 88 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Burntside Lake
- 7,314 acres, up to 126 feet deep, near Ely
- 6 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service, and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 18.1 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service, county
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 7,314 acres
- Max depth
- 126 ft
- Shoreline
- 103.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 18.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,478 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- 4 portage accesses
- Swim beach
- Camping (10 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 10
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 30
- Years of record
- 88
- Earliest
- March 28, 2012
- Latest
- May 22, 1950
- Most recent
- May 12, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
10 campgrounds are mapped on or near Burntside 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 Burntside Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Minister Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely56 acres
2.7 miles away
East Twin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely123 acres
2.7 miles away
Everett Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely113 acres
3.6 miles away
Little Long Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely322 acres
3.8 miles away
Crab Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely420 acres
3.9 miles away
Coxey Pond
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Burntside Lake192 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Burntside Lake?
Burntside Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 7,314 acres and reaches 126 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Burntside Lake?
Burntside Lake covers 7,314 acres with about 103.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 126 feet.
What fish can you catch at Burntside Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, and Lake Whitefish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Burntside Lake?
Yes. Burntside Lake has 6 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service, and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Burntside Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Burntside Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Burntside Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Burntside Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 30, from 88 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 28, 2012 and the latest is May 22, 1950.
Can you camp at Burntside Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Burntside Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Burntside Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.