Nels Lake
About Nels Lake
Nels Lake is an 182-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Nels Lake
- 182 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 7.3 feet
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 182 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 88 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)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Nels 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 Nels Lake
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Nearby Lakes
South Hegman Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely118 acres
1.4 miles away
Picket Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely68 acres
2.1 miles away
Grassy Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely257 acres
2.2 miles away
Fenske Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely108 acres
2.3 miles away
Everett Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely113 acres
3.1 miles away
Agassa Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely72 acres
3.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nels Lake?
Nels Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 182 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Nels Lake?
Nels Lake covers 182 acres with about 5.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Nels Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Nels Lake?
Yes. Nels Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Nels Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Nels 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 Nels Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Nels Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Nels Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.