---
type: lake
name: "Namakan Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Ray"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 24066
max_depth_ft: 150
latitude: 48.45539
longitude: -92.64868
lake_score: 71
dnr_lake_id: "69069300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/namakan-lake
---

# Namakan Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ray

- **Surface Area**: 24,066 acres
- **Max Depth**: 150 ft
- **Average Depth**: 45 ft
- **Shoreline**: 319.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10.7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Public access on record
- **Lake Score**: 71/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)
- **Border Water**: shared with Canada

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Public access on record
- **Managed by**: Not recorded
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 16
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **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.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Camping, Picnicking

## Amenities

Campground, Picnic Area

### Campgrounds

- Torry Fish Camp
- Namakan Island Nort
- Ryan Lake
- Namakan Entrance

## Fish Species

Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Lake Sturgeon, Burbot, Lake Whitefish, Rock Bass, Black Bullhead, Rainbow Smelt, White Sucker

## Invasive Species

spiny waterflea, zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [O'Leary Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/o-leary-lake) - 5.8 miles, 202 acres
- [Spring Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/spring-lake) - 5.9 miles, 219 acres
- [Little Johnson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/little-johnson-lake) - 6.1 miles, 566 acres
- [Little Trout Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/little-trout-lake-crane-lake) - 7.1 miles, 272 acres
- [Peary Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/peary-lake) - 7.4 miles, 116 acres
- [Cruiser Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/cruiser-lake) - 7.8 miles, 118 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.45539,-92.64868)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69069300)
- [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/namakan-lake)*