---
type: lake
name: "South Hegman Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 118
max_depth_ft: 55
latitude: 48.03737
longitude: -91.91315
lake_score: 35
dnr_lake_id: "69007502"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/south-hegman-lake
---

# South Hegman Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 118 acres
- **Max Depth**: 55 ft
- **Shoreline**: 4 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 8.3 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 35/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

South Hegman Lake is an 118-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.3 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.

The DNR has no fish survey on file for this lake, so treat any fishing as exploratory.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 5 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## 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

## Activities

Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

No DNR fish survey on file

## Nearby Lakes

- [Nels Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/nels-lake) - 1.4 miles, 182 acres
- [Agassa Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/agassa-lake) - 2 miles, 72 acres
- [Ed Shave Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/ed-shave-lake) - 2.9 miles, 90 acres
- [Fenske Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/fenske-lake) - 3.2 miles, 108 acres
- [Slim Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/slim-lake) - 3.2 miles, 312 acres
- [Picket Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/picket-lake-ely) - 3.2 miles, 68 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.03737,-91.91315)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69007502)
- [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/south-hegman-lake)*