Eagles Nest #1 Lake
About Eagles Nest #1 Lake
Eagles Nest #1 Lake is a 324-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 76 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.3 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. Ice typically goes out around April 30, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Eagles Nest #1 Lake
- 324 acres, up to 76 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 17.3 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 324 acres
- Max depth
- 76 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 88 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 13
- 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
- 16
- Earliest
- April 15, 2021
- Latest
- May 15, 2013
- Most recent
- May 8, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Eagles Nest #1 Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Eagles Nest #3 Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Soudan1,028 acres
1.3 miles away
Eagles Nest #2 Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely388 acres
1.4 miles away
Six Mile Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Eagles Nest109 acres
1.6 miles away
Armstrong Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely382 acres
1.6 miles away
Eagles Nest No. Four Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely178 acres
1.9 miles away
Five Mile Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Murray104 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Eagles Nest #1 Lake?
Eagles Nest #1 Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 324 acres and reaches 76 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Eagles Nest #1 Lake?
Eagles Nest #1 Lake covers 324 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 76 feet.
What fish can you catch at Eagles Nest #1 Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Eagles Nest #1 Lake?
Yes. Eagles Nest #1 Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Eagles Nest #1 Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Eagles Nest #1 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 Eagles Nest #1 Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Eagles Nest #1 Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Eagles Nest #1 Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 30, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 15, 2021 and the latest is May 15, 2013.