Whiteface Reservoir
About Whiteface Reservoir
Whiteface Reservoir is a 4,567-acre reservoir near Markham in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 93 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There are 3 public boat launches (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service and county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Whiteface Reservoir Recreation Area and Whiteface Back Country Campsite-West are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Whiteface Reservoir
- 4,567 acres, up to 35 feet deep, near Markham
- 3 public boat launches (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 4.5 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Whiteface Reservoir Recreation Area and Whiteface Back Country Campsite-West
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 4,567 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Shoreline
- 93 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,116 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 (gravel or earth)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Whiteface Reservoir Recreation Area, Whiteface Back Country Campsite-West, and Whiteface Back Country Campsite-East
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 21
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- April 12, 2015
- Latest
- May 3, 2008
- Most recent
- April 12, 2015
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Whiteface Reservoir Recreation Area, Whiteface Back Country Campsite-West, and Whiteface Back Country Campsite-East are mapped on or near Whiteface Reservoir. 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
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Nearby Lakes
Linwood Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Markham270 acres
2.2 miles away
Markham Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Markham229 acres
2.7 miles away
Loon Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora271 acres
6.8 miles away
Upper Comstock Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Whiteface267 acres
6.9 miles away
Long Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Makinen374 acres
7.3 miles away
Mud Hen Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Makinen161 acres
7.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Whiteface Reservoir?
Whiteface Reservoir is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Markham. It covers 4,567 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Whiteface Reservoir?
Whiteface Reservoir covers 4,567 acres with about 93 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 feet.
What fish can you catch at Whiteface Reservoir?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Whiteface Reservoir?
Yes. Whiteface Reservoir has 3 public boat launches (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Whiteface Reservoir?
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 Whiteface Reservoir stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Whiteface Reservoir; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Whiteface Reservoir?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Whiteface Reservoir?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 12, 2015 and the latest is May 3, 2008.
Can you camp at Whiteface Reservoir?
Yes. Whiteface Reservoir Recreation Area, Whiteface Back Country Campsite-West, and Whiteface Back Country Campsite-East are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.