Slim Lake
About Slim Lake
Slim Lake is a 312-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 49 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. 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 2025.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. YMCA Camp DuNord is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Slim Lake
- 312 acres, up to 49 feet deep, near Ely
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 12.4 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at YMCA Camp DuNord
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 312 acres
- Max depth
- 49 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 87 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
- 2 carry-in accesses
- Camping: YMCA Camp DuNord
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
- 6
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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
YMCA Camp DuNord is mapped on or near Slim 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 Slim Lake
Compare Slim Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Coxey Pond
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Burntside Lake192 acres
2.7 miles away
Everett Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely113 acres
3 miles away
Big Rice Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Burntside Lake403 acres
3 miles away
East Twin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely123 acres
3.1 miles away
South Hegman Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely118 acres
3.2 miles away
Agassa Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely72 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Slim Lake?
Slim Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 312 acres and reaches 49 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Slim Lake?
Slim Lake covers 312 acres with about 8.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 49 feet.
What fish can you catch at Slim Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Slim Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Slim Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Slim 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 Slim Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Slim Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Slim Lake?
Yes. YMCA Camp DuNord is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.