Johnson Lake
About Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is a 456-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Johnson Lake
- 456 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.8 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 456 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 423 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 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Johnson Lake
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Nearby Lakes
One Pine Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely354 acres
1.9 miles away
Blueberry Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Rothman125 acres
2.4 miles away
Mitchell Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Burntside248 acres
3 miles away
Twin Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely224 acres
3.5 miles away
Bear Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Babbitt2,362 acres
3.6 miles away
Muckwa Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely147 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 456 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake covers 456 acres with about 10.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Johnson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Johnson Lake?
Yes. Johnson Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
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?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Johnson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.