St. Louis River Estuary
About St. Louis River Estuary
St. Louis River Estuary is a 10,255-acre river lake near Duluth in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 195.5 miles of shoreline. The lake is a border water shared with Wisconsin, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 33 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. 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.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Spirit Mountain Campsite and River Place Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to St. Louis River Estuary
- 10,255 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Duluth
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Spirit Mountain Campsite and River Place Campground
- Border water with Wisconsin — know which side of the line you are fishing on
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 10,255 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Shoreline
- 195.5 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 10,242 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Wisconsin differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
- Swim beach
- Camping: Spirit Mountain Campsite, River Place Campground, and Buffalo Valley Campground
- Marina: Minnesota Slip and Harbor Cove Marina
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Current, barge traffic and changing water levels make this different from a still lake
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 33
- Game fish
- 19
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- No
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Spirit Mountain Campsite, River Place Campground, Buffalo Valley Campground, and Fond du Lac Campground are mapped on or near St. Louis River Estuary. 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 St. Louis River Estuary
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Nearby Lakes
Thomson Reservoir
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Thomson390 acres
12.1 miles away
Wild Rice Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth2,372 acres
12.3 miles away
Pike Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Hermantown488 acres
12.5 miles away
Caribou Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth539 acres
14.7 miles away
Venoah Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Carlton110 acres
14.9 miles away
Little Grand Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Saginaw176 acres
15.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is St. Louis River Estuary?
St. Louis River Estuary is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Duluth. It covers 10,255 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is St. Louis River Estuary?
St. Louis River Estuary covers 10,255 acres with about 195.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet.
What fish can you catch at St. Louis River Estuary?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on St. Louis River Estuary?
Yes. St. Louis River Estuary has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at St. Louis River Estuary?
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 St. Louis River Estuary stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for St. Louis River Estuary; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at St. Louis River Estuary?
Yes. Spirit Mountain Campsite, River Place Campground, and Buffalo Valley Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.