Picket Lake
About Picket Lake
Picket Lake is a 68-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6 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 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2014.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Picket Lake
- 68 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 6 feet
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 68 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 68 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 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- 1 carry-in access
- 2 portage accesses
Best For
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2014
- 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 Picket Lake
Compare Picket Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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Low Lake
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Tin Can Mike Lake
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Fenske Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Picket Lake?
Picket Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 68 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Picket Lake?
Picket Lake covers 68 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Picket Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Picket Lake?
Yes. Picket 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 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.