Perch Lake
About Perch Lake
Perch Lake is a 100-acre lake near Babbitt in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 13 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Perch Lake
- 100 acres, up to 13 feet deep, near Babbitt
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 100 acres
- Max depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 100 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 (gravel or earth)
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Perch Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Whisper Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely46 acres
0.8 miles away
Bear Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Babbitt2,362 acres
2.6 miles away
Blueberry Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Rothman125 acres
2.8 miles away
Birch Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Babbitt7,074 acres
3.3 miles away
Johnson Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely456 acres
3.7 miles away
One Pine Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely354 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Perch Lake?
Perch Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Babbitt. It covers 100 acres and reaches 13 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Perch Lake?
Perch Lake covers 100 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Perch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Perch Lake?
Yes. Perch Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Perch Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Perch 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 Perch Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Perch Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.