Johnson Lake
About Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is a 1,736-acre lake near Crane Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 88 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 25 feet, and has roughly 26.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, lake whitefish, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.
Plan Your Visit to Johnson Lake
- 1,736 acres, up to 88 feet deep, near Crane Lake
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, lake whitefish, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 10.9 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,736 acres
- Max depth
- 88 ft
- Average depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 26.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 557 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
Best For
- 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
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 Johnson Lake
Compare Johnson Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Spring Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake219 acres
2.3 miles away
Franklin Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake156 acres
3.2 miles away
Little Johnson Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake566 acres
3.8 miles away
Moose Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake228 acres
4.6 miles away
Sand Point Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake8,527 acres
4.8 miles away
Little Trout Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake272 acres
5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Crane Lake. It covers 1,736 acres and reaches 88 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake covers 1,736 acres with about 26.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 88 feet and its average depth is about 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Johnson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Lake Whitefish, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Johnson Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Johnson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Johnson 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 Johnson Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Johnson Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.