Mud Lake
About Mud Lake
Mud Lake is a 176-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 27 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Mud Lake
- 176 acres, up to 27 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 10.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 176 acres
- Max depth
- 27 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 51 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 (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 Mud Lake
Compare Mud Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Clear Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely113 acres
2.2 miles away
Armstrong Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely382 acres
2.5 miles away
West Robinson Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely121 acres
3 miles away
Eagles Nest #1 Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely324 acres
3.6 miles away
Six Mile Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Eagles Nest109 acres
3.7 miles away
Wolf Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely289 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mud Lake?
Mud Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 176 acres and reaches 27 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mud Lake?
Mud Lake covers 176 acres with about 5.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 27 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mud Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Mud Lake?
Yes. Mud Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mud Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mud 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 Mud Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Mud Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.