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Iron Chief Complex Lake

lakeSt. Louis County, Minnesota · near Buhl207 acres56 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Iron Chief Complex Lake

Iron Chief Complex Lake is a 207-acre lake near Buhl in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 262 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.8 feet.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and lake trout. 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 2008.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city.

Plan Your Visit to Iron Chief Complex Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 207 acres, up to 262 feet deep, near Buhl
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and lake trout
  • Average water clarity around 5.8 feet

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (concrete)
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses
Managed by
city

Conditions

Surface area
207 acres
Max depth
262 ft
Shoreline
4 mi
Water clarity
5.8 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
  • A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout

Facilities

  • 1 public boat launch (concrete)

Best For

  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
8
Game fish
5
Stocked
Yes
Last DNR survey
2008
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.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddling

Amenities

Boat Ramp

Fish Species

Northern PikeLargemouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillLake TroutGreen SunfishRainbow SmeltWhite Sucker

Plan your trip to Iron Chief Complex Lake

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Iron Chief Complex Lake?

Iron Chief Complex Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Buhl. It covers 207 acres and reaches 262 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Iron Chief Complex Lake?

Iron Chief Complex Lake covers 207 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 262 feet.

What fish can you catch at Iron Chief Complex Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Lake Trout. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Iron Chief Complex Lake?

Yes. Iron Chief Complex Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Iron Chief Complex Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at Iron Chief Complex 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 Iron Chief Complex Lake stocked?

Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Iron Chief Complex Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.