Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)
About Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)
Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine) is a 156-acre mine pit lake near Aurora in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 465 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 167 feet, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 38.7 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including bluegill and lake trout. 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)
- 156 acres, up to 465 feet deep, near Aurora
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: bluegill and lake trout
- Average water clarity around 38.7 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 156 acres
- Max depth
- 465 ft
- Average depth
- 167 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 38.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 13 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 trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- Mine pit lakes drop off steeply right from shore and stay cold at depth
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 3
- Game fish
- 2
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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 Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)
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Nearby Lakes
Wynne Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora279 acres
1.7 miles away
Embarrass Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Biwabik463 acres
1.9 miles away
St James Pit
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora124 acres
2.1 miles away
Canton Pit
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Belgrade (St. Louis)161 acres
3.4 miles away
Sabin Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora312 acres
3.4 miles away
Cedar Island Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Biwabik205 acres
4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)?
Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine) is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Aurora. It covers 156 acres and reaches 465 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)?
Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine) covers 156 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 465 feet and its average depth is about 167 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Bluegill and Lake Trout. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)?
Yes. Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine) has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine)?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine). 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 Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine) stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine); species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine) have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine) as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.