---
type: lake
name: "Low Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 316
max_depth_ft: 40
latitude: 47.98197
longitude: -91.82822
lake_score: 66
dnr_lake_id: "69007000"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/low-lake
---

# Low Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 316 acres
- **Max Depth**: 40 ft
- **Shoreline**: 8.2 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10.7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 66/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 11
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Sunfish**: Daily limit 10.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Hobo Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/hobo-lake) - 1.3 miles, 74 acres
- [Bass Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/bass-lake-ely) - 1.9 miles, 169 acres
- [Grassy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/grassy-lake) - 1.9 miles, 257 acres
- [High Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/high-lake) - 2.3 miles, 274 acres
- [Cedar Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/cedar-lake) - 2.4 miles, 465 acres
- [Picket Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/picket-lake-ely) - 3.4 miles, 68 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.98197,-91.82822)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69007000)
- [All lakes in St. Louis County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/low-lake)*