Picket Lake
About Picket Lake
Picket Lake is a 317-acre lake near Buyck in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.5 feet. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Picket Lake
- 317 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Buyck
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 8.5 feet
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 317 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 121 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 BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 portage access
Best For
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 4
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Picket Lake
Compare Picket Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Astrid Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck120 acres
3.2 miles away
Pauline Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck63 acres
3.6 miles away
Vermilion River
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck1,071 acres
5.8 miles away
Jeanette Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck612 acres
5.8 miles away
Oriniack Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Tower744 acres
6.5 miles away
Echo Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buyck1,142 acres
6.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Picket Lake?
Picket Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Buyck. It covers 317 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Picket Lake?
Picket Lake covers 317 acres with about 5.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet.
What fish can you catch at Picket Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Picket Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Picket Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Picket 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 Picket Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Picket Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.