Embarrass Lake
About Embarrass Lake
Embarrass Lake is a 463-acre lake near Biwabik in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 19 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city. Vermilion Trail Park Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 52 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Embarrass Lake
- 463 acres, up to 19 feet deep, near Biwabik
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 4.3 feet
- Camping close to the water at Vermilion Trail Park Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 463 acres
- Max depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 407 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Vermilion Trail Park Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 15
- 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 23
- Years of record
- 52
- Earliest
- March 27, 2012
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- April 24, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Vermilion Trail Park Campground is mapped on or near Embarrass 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 Embarrass Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora156 acres
1.9 miles away
Canton Pit
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Belgrade (St. Louis)161 acres
2 miles away
Cedar Island Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Biwabik205 acres
2.1 miles away
Wynne Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora279 acres
3 miles away
St James Pit
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora124 acres
3.8 miles away
Esquagama Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Biwabik453 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Embarrass Lake?
Embarrass Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Biwabik. It covers 463 acres and reaches 19 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Embarrass Lake?
Embarrass Lake covers 463 acres with about 8.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Embarrass Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Embarrass Lake?
Yes. Embarrass Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Embarrass Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Embarrass 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 Embarrass Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Embarrass Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Embarrass Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 52 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 27, 2012 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Can you camp at Embarrass Lake?
Yes. Vermilion Trail Park Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.