White Iron Lake
About White Iron Lake
White Iron Lake is a 3,237-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 47 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 35.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. Ice typically goes out around April 28, based on 15 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to White Iron Lake
- 3,237 acres, up to 47 feet deep, near Ely
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 3,237 acres
- Max depth
- 47 ft
- Shoreline
- 35.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,603 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 28
- Years of record
- 15
- Earliest
- April 14, 2021
- Latest
- May 10, 2022
- Most recent
- April 28, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to White Iron Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Farm Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely1,292 acres
3.5 miles away
Miner's Pit
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely141 acres
4.1 miles away
Garden Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely653 acres
4.3 miles away
South Farm Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely564 acres
4.8 miles away
Shagawa Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely2,345 acres
5.1 miles away
One Pine Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely354 acres
5.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is White Iron Lake?
White Iron Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 3,237 acres and reaches 47 feet deep.
How big and how deep is White Iron Lake?
White Iron Lake covers 3,237 acres with about 35.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 47 feet.
What fish can you catch at White Iron Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Tiger Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on White Iron Lake?
Yes. White Iron Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at White Iron Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at White Iron 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 White Iron Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for White Iron Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on White Iron Lake?
Yes. All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on White Iron Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 28, from 15 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 14, 2021 and the latest is May 10, 2022.