Shoepack Lake
About Shoepack Lake
Shoepack Lake is a 299-acre lake near International Falls in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 24 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.2 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including muskellunge and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Little Shoepack Lake and Shoepack Lake are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Shoepack Lake
- 299 acres, up to 24 feet deep, near International Falls
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: muskellunge and yellow perch
- Camping close to the water at Little Shoepack Lake and Shoepack Lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- National Park Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 299 acres
- Max depth
- 24 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.2 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 252 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
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Little Shoepack Lake and Shoepack Lake
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Little Shoepack Lake and Shoepack Lake are mapped on or near Shoepack Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Shoepack Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Cruiser Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray118 acres
3.3 miles away
Lake Kabetogama
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray24,034 acres
4.4 miles away
Peary Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Kabetogama116 acres
5.2 miles away
Locator Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls133 acres
6.5 miles away
Rainy Lake
89 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls210,200 acres
7.2 miles away
Namakan Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray24,066 acres
11 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shoepack Lake?
Shoepack Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near International Falls. It covers 299 acres and reaches 24 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Shoepack Lake?
Shoepack Lake covers 299 acres with about 7.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 24 feet.
What fish can you catch at Shoepack Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Muskellunge and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Shoepack Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Shoepack Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Shoepack 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 Shoepack Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Shoepack Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Shoepack Lake?
Yes. Little Shoepack Lake and Shoepack Lake are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.