Dark Lake
About Dark Lake
Dark Lake is a 231-acre lake near Buhl in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 31 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2016.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Dark Lake
- 231 acres, up to 31 feet deep, near Buhl
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 231 acres
- Max depth
- 31 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 138 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 (concrete)
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2016
- 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 Dark Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Clear Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buhl139 acres
1.3 miles away
Leander Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Idington252 acres
3.1 miles away
Fourteen Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buhl386 acres
4.3 miles away
Long Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Chisholm259 acres
6.6 miles away
Sand Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Virginia779 acres
6.9 miles away
Auto Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Virginia97 acres
7.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dark Lake?
Dark Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Buhl. It covers 231 acres and reaches 31 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dark Lake?
Dark Lake covers 231 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 31 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dark Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Dark Lake?
Yes. Dark Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Dark Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dark 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 Dark Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Dark Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.