---
type: lake
name: "Upper Pauness Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Crane Lake"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 192
max_depth_ft: 14.5
latitude: 48.19252
longitude: -92.25554
lake_score: 46
dnr_lake_id: "69046500"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/upper-pauness-lake
---

# Upper Pauness Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Crane Lake

- **Surface Area**: 192 acres
- **Max Depth**: 15 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3.6 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 4 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 46/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Upper Pauness Lake is a 192-acre lake near Crane Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4 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.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and burbot. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. A campground is 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

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 7
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Lower Pauness Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/lower-pauness-lake) - 0.6 miles, 171 acres
- [Shell Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/shell-lake) - 2.2 miles, 493 acres
- [Heritage Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/heritage-lake) - 3.1 miles, 207 acres
- [Lynx Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/lynx-lake) - 3.3 miles, 291 acres
- [Jeanette Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/jeanette-lake) - 4 miles, 612 acres
- [Loon Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/loon-lake) - 4.8 miles, 2,498 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.19252,-92.25554)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69046500)
- [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/upper-pauness-lake)*