Low Lake
About Low Lake
Low Lake is a 316-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Low Lake
- 316 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.7 feet
- Camping close to the water
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 316 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 211 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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 1 portage access
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
1 campground is mapped on or near Low 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 Low Lake
Compare Low Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Low Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Hobo Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely74 acres
1.3 miles away
Bass Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely169 acres
1.9 miles away
Grassy Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely257 acres
1.9 miles away
High Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely274 acres
2.3 miles away
Cedar Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely465 acres
2.4 miles away
Picket Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely68 acres
3.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Low Lake?
Low Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 316 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Low Lake?
Low Lake covers 316 acres with about 8.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet.
What fish can you catch at Low Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Low Lake?
Yes. Low Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Low Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Low 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 Low Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Low Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Low Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
Can you camp at Low Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.