Franklin Lake
About Franklin Lake
Franklin Lake is a 156-acre lake near Crane Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.2 feet. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Franklin Lake
- 156 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Crane Lake
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 7.2 feet
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 156 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 120 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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 portage access
Best For
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 3
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Franklin Lake
Compare Franklin Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Marion
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake183 acres
2.9 miles away
Johnson Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake1,736 acres
3.2 miles away
Moose Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake228 acres
3.6 miles away
Crane Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake2,921 acres
4 miles away
Spring Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake219 acres
5 miles away
Long Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake478 acres
5.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Franklin Lake?
Franklin Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Crane Lake. It covers 156 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Franklin Lake?
Franklin Lake covers 156 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Franklin Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Franklin Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Franklin Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Franklin 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 Franklin Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Franklin Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.