Pfeiffer Lake
About Pfeiffer Lake
Pfeiffer Lake is a 60-acre lake near Tower in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 26 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Pfeiffer Lakes -USFS is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Pfeiffer Lake
- 60 acres, up to 26 feet deep, near Tower
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 10.9 feet
- Camping close to the water at Pfeiffer Lakes -USFS
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
- 60 acres
- Max depth
- 26 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 34 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)
- Camping: Pfeiffer Lakes -USFS
Best For
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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
Pfeiffer Lakes -USFS is mapped on or near Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer Lake
Compare Pfeiffer Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Pfeiffer Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Big Rice Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Britt1,917 acres
3.7 miles away
Pike River Flowage
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Tower214 acres
5.2 miles away
Lost Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Peyla752 acres
6 miles away
Auto Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Virginia97 acres
8.7 miles away
Lake Vermilion
80 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Tower39,272 acres
9.6 miles away
Sand Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Virginia779 acres
10 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pfeiffer Lake?
Pfeiffer Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Tower. It covers 60 acres and reaches 26 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pfeiffer Lake?
Pfeiffer Lake covers 60 acres with about 1.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 26 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pfeiffer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pfeiffer Lake?
Yes. Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pfeiffer Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Pfeiffer Lake?
Yes. Pfeiffer Lakes -USFS is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.