Locator Lake
About Locator Lake
Locator Lake is a 133-acre lake near International Falls in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 52 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Locator Lake is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Locator Lake
- 133 acres, up to 52 feet deep, near International Falls
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 7.8 feet
- Camping close to the water at Locator Lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- National Park Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 133 acres
- Max depth
- 52 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 44 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 portage access
- Camping: Locator Lake
- Picnic area
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Locator Lake is mapped on or near Locator Lake. 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 Locator Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rainy Lake
89 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls210,200 acres
2.7 miles away
Lake Kabetogama
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray24,034 acres
5.5 miles away
Shoepack Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls299 acres
6.5 miles away
Cruiser Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray118 acres
9.6 miles away
Peary Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Kabetogama116 acres
10.9 miles away
Rat Root Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreKoochiching · International Falls734 acres
13.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Locator Lake?
Locator Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near International Falls. It covers 133 acres and reaches 52 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Locator Lake?
Locator Lake covers 133 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 52 feet.
What fish can you catch at Locator Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Locator Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Locator Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Locator 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 Locator Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Locator Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Locator Lake?
Yes. Locator Lake is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.