Lake Kabetogama
About Lake Kabetogama
Lake Kabetogama is a 24,034-acre lake near Ray in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 80 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 30 feet, and has roughly 190.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye and sauger, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 6 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and National Park Service. K45 and Brown Lake are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 30, based on 85 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Kabetogama
- 24,034 acres, up to 80 feet deep, near Ray
- 6 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and National Park Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 8.8 feet
- Camping close to the water at K45 and Brown Lake
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, National Park Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 24,034 acres
- Max depth
- 80 ft
- Average depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 190.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 7,440 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
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: K45, Brown Lake, and Agnes Lake
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 13
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye and Sauger: Combined possession limit six, only four may be walleye. All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 30
- Years of record
- 85
- Earliest
- April 1, 2012
- Latest
- May 18, 1996
- Most recent
- May 4, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
K45, Brown Lake, Agnes Lake, and Ek Lake are mapped on or near Lake Kabetogama. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Kabetogama
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Nearby Lakes
Shoepack Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls299 acres
4.4 miles away
Locator Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls133 acres
5.5 miles away
Cruiser Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray118 acres
7.3 miles away
Rainy Lake
89 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls210,200 acres
7.7 miles away
Peary Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Kabetogama116 acres
9.5 miles away
Namakan Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray24,066 acres
14.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Kabetogama?
Lake Kabetogama is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ray. It covers 24,034 acres and reaches 80 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Kabetogama?
Lake Kabetogama covers 24,034 acres with about 190.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 80 feet and its average depth is about 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Kabetogama?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Kabetogama?
Yes. Lake Kabetogama has 6 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and National Park Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Kabetogama?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Kabetogama. 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 Lake Kabetogama stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lake Kabetogama; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Kabetogama?
Yes. Combined possession limit six, only four may be walleye. All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Lake Kabetogama?
The median ice-out date is April 30, from 85 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 1, 2012 and the latest is May 18, 1996.
Can you camp at Lake Kabetogama?
Yes. K45, Brown Lake, and Agnes Lake are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Kabetogama have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Kabetogama as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.