Shagawa Lake
About Shagawa Lake
Shagawa Lake is a 2,345-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 23.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR, county, and city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 28, based on 106 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Shagawa Lake
- 2,345 acres, up to 48 feet deep, near Ely
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR, county, and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 9.5 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,345 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Shoreline
- 23.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 711 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
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 28
- Years of record
- 106
- Earliest
- March 27, 2012
- Latest
- May 16, 1996
- Most recent
- May 5, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Shagawa Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Miner's Pit
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely141 acres
1.2 miles away
Little Long Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely322 acres
2 miles away
Minister Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely56 acres
3.3 miles away
Bass Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely169 acres
3.5 miles away
High Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely274 acres
4.1 miles away
Hobo Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely74 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shagawa Lake?
Shagawa Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 2,345 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Shagawa Lake?
Shagawa Lake covers 2,345 acres with about 23.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet.
What fish can you catch at Shagawa Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Shagawa Lake?
Yes. Shagawa Lake has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR, county, and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Shagawa Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Shagawa Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Shagawa Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Shagawa Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 28, from 106 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 27, 2012 and the latest is May 16, 1996.
Does Shagawa Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Shagawa Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.