---
type: lake
name: "Picket Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Buyck"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 317
max_depth_ft: 23
latitude: 48.09401
longitude: -92.39547
lake_score: 37
dnr_lake_id: "69059100"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/picket-lake
---

# Picket Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Buyck

- **Surface Area**: 317 acres
- **Max Depth**: 23 ft
- **Shoreline**: 5.7 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 8.5 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 37/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 4
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2023
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Astrid Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/astrid-lake) - 3.2 miles, 120 acres
- [Pauline Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/pauline-lake) - 3.6 miles, 63 acres
- [Vermilion River](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/vermilion-river) - 5.8 miles, 1,071 acres
- [Jeanette Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/jeanette-lake) - 5.8 miles, 612 acres
- [Oriniack Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/oriniack-lake) - 6.5 miles, 744 acres
- [Echo Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/echo-lake) - 6.6 miles, 1,142 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.09401,-92.39547)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69059100)
- [All lakes in St. Louis County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/picket-lake)*