Namakan Lake
About Namakan Lake
Namakan Lake is a 24,066-acre lake near Ray in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 150 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 45 feet, and has roughly 319.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye and sauger, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. Torry Fish Camp and Namakan Island Nort are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Namakan Lake
- 24,066 acres, up to 150 feet deep, near Ray
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.7 feet
- Camping close to the water at Torry Fish Camp and Namakan Island Nort
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 24,066 acres
- Max depth
- 150 ft
- Average depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 319.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 5,026 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- Camping: Torry Fish Camp, Namakan Island Nort, and Ryan Lake
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 16
- Game fish
- 13
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye and Sauger: Combined possession limit six, only four may be walleye. All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Torry Fish Camp, Namakan Island Nort, Ryan Lake, and Namakan Entrance are mapped on or near Namakan Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Namakan Lake
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Nearby Lakes
O'Leary Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake202 acres
5.8 miles away
Spring Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake219 acres
5.9 miles away
Little Johnson Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake566 acres
6.1 miles away
Little Trout Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake272 acres
7.1 miles away
Peary Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Kabetogama116 acres
7.4 miles away
Cruiser Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray118 acres
7.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Namakan Lake?
Namakan Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ray. It covers 24,066 acres and reaches 150 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Namakan Lake?
Namakan Lake covers 24,066 acres with about 319.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 150 feet and its average depth is about 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Namakan Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Trout and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Namakan Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Namakan Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Namakan 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 Namakan Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Namakan Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Namakan Lake?
Yes. Combined possession limit six, only four may be walleye. All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Can you camp at Namakan Lake?
Yes. Torry Fish Camp, Namakan Island Nort, and Ryan Lake are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Namakan Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Namakan Lake as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.