Echo Lake
About Echo Lake
Echo Lake is a 1,142-acre lake near Buyck in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Echo Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Echo Lake
- 1,142 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Buyck
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.8 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Echo Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,142 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,142 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)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Echo Lake Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- 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
- No
- 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 19
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- March 23, 2012
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 18, 2016
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Echo Lake Campground is mapped on or near Echo 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 Echo Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Kabustasa Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Orr115 acres
2.4 miles away
Picket Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck317 acres
6.6 miles away
Pauline Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck63 acres
7.3 miles away
Dovre Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake116 acres
7.4 miles away
Kjostad Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck437 acres
7.6 miles away
Little Vermilion Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake1,288 acres
7.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Echo Lake?
Echo Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Buyck. It covers 1,142 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Echo Lake?
Echo Lake covers 1,142 acres with about 10.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Echo 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 Echo Lake?
Yes. Echo 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 Echo 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 Echo Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Echo Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Echo Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 23, 2012 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Can you camp at Echo Lake?
Yes. Echo Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.