Hobo Lake
About Hobo Lake
Hobo Lake is a 74-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Hobo Lake
- 74 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Ely
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 74 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 74 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 carry-in access
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 Hobo Lake
Compare Hobo Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely169 acres
1.2 miles away
Low Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely316 acres
1.3 miles away
Cedar Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely465 acres
1.7 miles away
High Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely274 acres
2.3 miles away
Grassy Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely257 acres
3 miles away
Browns Lake
21 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely219 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hobo Lake?
Hobo Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 74 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hobo Lake?
Hobo Lake covers 74 acres with about 2.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hobo Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Hobo Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Hobo Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hobo 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 Hobo Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Hobo Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.