East Twin Lake
About East Twin Lake
East Twin Lake is a 123-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth 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 2018.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. 2 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.
Plan Your Visit to East Twin Lake
- 123 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5 feet
- Camping close to the water
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 123 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 69 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)
- 2 carry-in accesses
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near East Twin 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 East Twin Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Everett Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely113 acres
0.9 miles away
Minister Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely56 acres
1.6 miles away
Fenske Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely108 acres
1.8 miles away
High Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely274 acres
2.6 miles away
Burntside Lake
87 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely7,314 acres
2.7 miles away
Little Long Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely322 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Twin Lake?
East Twin Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 123 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Twin Lake?
East Twin Lake covers 123 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Twin Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on East Twin Lake?
Yes. East Twin Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at East Twin Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at East Twin 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 East Twin Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for East Twin Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at East Twin 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 East Twin Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists East Twin 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.