Joseph Lake
About Joseph Lake
Joseph Lake is a 76-acre lake near Babbitt in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Joseph Lake
- 76 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Babbitt
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 10 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 76 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 10 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 56 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)
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
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 Joseph Lake
Compare Joseph Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Bear Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Babbitt2,362 acres
3.5 miles away
Bear Head Lake
77 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Tower662 acres
3.7 miles away
Muckwa Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely147 acres
4.1 miles away
Whisper Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely46 acres
4.9 miles away
Perch Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Babbitt100 acres
5.3 miles away
Purvis Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely53 acres
5.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Joseph Lake?
Joseph Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Babbitt. It covers 76 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Joseph Lake?
Joseph Lake covers 76 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet.
What fish can you catch at Joseph Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Joseph Lake?
Yes. Joseph Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Joseph Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Joseph 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 Joseph Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Joseph Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.