---
type: lake
name: "Lower Pauness Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Crane Lake"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 171
max_depth_ft: 36
latitude: 48.19419
longitude: -92.2431
lake_score: 49
dnr_lake_id: "69046400"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/lower-pauness-lake
---

# Lower Pauness Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Crane Lake

- **Surface Area**: 171 acres
- **Max Depth**: 36 ft
- **Shoreline**: 5 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 5 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 49/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Lower Pauness Lake is a 171-acre lake near Crane Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 36 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5 feet. 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 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, burbot, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 8 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 7
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Upper Pauness Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/upper-pauness-lake) - 0.6 miles, 192 acres
- [Shell Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/shell-lake) - 1.7 miles, 493 acres
- [Heritage Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/heritage-lake) - 2.6 miles, 207 acres
- [Lynx Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/lynx-lake) - 2.8 miles, 291 acres
- [Jeanette Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/jeanette-lake) - 4.3 miles, 612 acres
- [Hustler Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/hustler-lake) - 4.8 miles, 277 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.19419,-92.2431)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69046400)
- [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/lower-pauness-lake)*