Fish Lake Flowage
About Fish Lake Flowage
Fish Lake Flowage is a 3,259-acre reservoir near Duluth in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 36 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 54.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie, sunfish, and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 10 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 Fish Lake Flowage
- 3,259 acres, up to 36 feet deep, near Duluth
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 7.6 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
Conditions
- Surface area
- 3,259 acres
- Max depth
- 36 ft
- Shoreline
- 54.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.6 ft
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)
- Camping (10 mapped)
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
- Walleye: All less than 13" or greater than 17" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession. Possession limit three.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
10 campgrounds are mapped on or near Fish Lake Flowage. 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 Fish Lake Flowage
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Nearby Lakes
Caribou Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth539 acres
3.9 miles away
Flowage
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth112 acres
4.4 miles away
Wild Rice Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth2,372 acres
4.7 miles away
Long Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Twig109 acres
5.3 miles away
Pike Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Hermantown488 acres
5.5 miles away
Morgan Lake
17 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth104 acres
6.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fish Lake Flowage?
Fish Lake Flowage is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Duluth. It covers 3,259 acres and reaches 36 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fish Lake Flowage?
Fish Lake Flowage covers 3,259 acres with about 54.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 36 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fish Lake Flowage?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Fish Lake Flowage?
Yes. Fish Lake Flowage has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Fish Lake Flowage?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Fish Lake Flowage. 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 Fish Lake Flowage stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Fish Lake Flowage; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Fish Lake Flowage?
Yes. Daily limit five. All less than 13" or greater than 17" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession. Possession limit three.
Can you camp at Fish Lake Flowage?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Fish Lake Flowage have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Fish Lake Flowage 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.