Muckwa Lake
About Muckwa Lake
Muckwa Lake is a 147-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including walleye and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Muckwa Lake
- 147 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 6.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 147 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 147 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 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- 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
- 3
- Game fish
- 2
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Muckwa Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Purvis Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely53 acres
1.9 miles away
Bear Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Babbitt2,362 acres
1.9 miles away
Johnson Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely456 acres
3.6 miles away
Eagles Nest No. Four Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely178 acres
3.8 miles away
Twin Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely224 acres
3.9 miles away
Joseph Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Babbitt76 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Muckwa Lake?
Muckwa Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 147 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Muckwa Lake?
Muckwa Lake covers 147 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Muckwa Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Muckwa Lake?
Yes. Muckwa Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Muckwa Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Muckwa 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 Muckwa Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Muckwa Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.