---
type: lake
name: "Fenske Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 108
max_depth_ft: 43
latitude: 47.99194
longitude: -91.90462
lake_score: 69
dnr_lake_id: "69008500"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/fenske-lake
---

# Fenske Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 108 acres
- **Max Depth**: 43 ft
- **Shoreline**: 4.6 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- **Lake Score**: 69/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Fenske Lake is a 108-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 43 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2017.

There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Fenske Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 8
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2017
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Swimming, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Swim Beach, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Fenske Lake Campground

## Fish Species

Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Everett Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/everett-lake) - 0.9 miles, 113 acres
- [East Twin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/east-twin-lake) - 1.8 miles, 123 acres
- [High Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/high-lake) - 1.9 miles, 274 acres
- [Grassy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/grassy-lake) - 2.2 miles, 257 acres
- [Nels Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/nels-lake) - 2.3 miles, 182 acres
- [Minister Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/minister-lake) - 2.8 miles, 56 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.99194,-91.90462)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69008500)
- [All lakes in St. Louis County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/fenske-lake)*