Ely Lake
About Ely Lake
Ely Lake is a 723-acre lake near Eveleth in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 70 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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 Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows Sparta Beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 24, based on 40 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Ely Lake
- 723 acres, up to 70 feet deep, near Eveleth
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 18.5 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Sparta Beach)
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — 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
Conditions
- Surface area
- 723 acres
- Max depth
- 70 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 18.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 225 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: Sparta Beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- 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 24
- Years of record
- 40
- Earliest
- April 5, 2000
- Latest
- May 9, 1996
- Most recent
- May 6, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ely Lake
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Nearby Lakes
St. Mary's Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Spruce234 acres
2.1 miles away
Gilbert Pit
82 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Gilbert243 acres
2.2 miles away
Pleasant Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Eveleth335 acres
3.9 miles away
Long Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Eveleth150 acres
4.4 miles away
Half Moon Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Peary162 acres
4.8 miles away
Manganika Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Largo168 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ely Lake?
Ely Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Eveleth. It covers 723 acres and reaches 70 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ely Lake?
Ely Lake covers 723 acres with about 9.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 70 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ely Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Ely Lake?
Yes. Ely Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ely Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Sparta Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Ely Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ely Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Ely Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 24, from 40 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 5, 2000 and the latest is May 9, 1996.
Does Ely Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Ely Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.