Murphy Lake
About Murphy Lake
Murphy Lake is a 354-acre lake near Central Lakes in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 24 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2019.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Murphy Lake
- 354 acres, up to 24 feet deep, near Central Lakes
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 6.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 354 acres
- Max depth
- 24 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 261 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2019
- 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 Murphy Lake
Compare Murphy Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Elliot Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Eveleth373 acres
2.6 miles away
Stone Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Zim143 acres
2.8 miles away
Young Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Melrude132 acres
4.1 miles away
Half Moon Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Peary162 acres
5.9 miles away
Dinham Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Melrude202 acres
6.6 miles away
Pleasant Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Eveleth335 acres
6.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Murphy Lake?
Murphy Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Central Lakes. It covers 354 acres and reaches 24 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Murphy Lake?
Murphy Lake covers 354 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 24 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Murphy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Murphy Lake?
Yes. Murphy Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Murphy Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Murphy 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 Murphy Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Murphy Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.