---
type: lake
name: "Burntside Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 7314
max_depth_ft: 126
latitude: 47.94538
longitude: -91.97426
lake_score: 87
dnr_lake_id: "69011800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/burntside-lake
---

# Burntside Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 7,314 acres
- **Max Depth**: 126 ft
- **Shoreline**: 103.5 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 18.1 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 87/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service, county
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 15
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Swimming, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Swim Beach, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, Lake Whitefish, Rock Bass, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Rainbow Smelt, Shorthead Redhorse, White Sucker

## Invasive Species

spiny waterflea. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Ice-Out

- **Median ice-out**: April 30
- **Years of record**: 88
- **Earliest**: 2012-03-28
- **Latest**: 1950-05-22

## Nearby Lakes

- [Minister Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/minister-lake) - 2.7 miles, 56 acres
- [East Twin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/east-twin-lake) - 2.7 miles, 123 acres
- [Everett Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/everett-lake) - 3.6 miles, 113 acres
- [Little Long Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/little-long-lake) - 3.8 miles, 322 acres
- [Crab Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/crab-lake) - 3.9 miles, 420 acres
- [Coxey Pond](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/coxey-pond) - 4.4 miles, 192 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.94538,-91.97426)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69011800)
- [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/burntside-lake)*