Wolf Lake
About Wolf Lake
Wolf Lake is a 289-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 28 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Wolf Lake
- 289 acres, up to 28 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 8.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 289 acres
- Max depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 145 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
- 1 public boat launch (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
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Wolf Lake
Compare Wolf Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Wolf Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Wolf Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Wolf Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Wolf Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
West Robinson Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely121 acres
2.1 miles away
Clear Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely113 acres
2.8 miles away
Twin Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely224 acres
3.3 miles away
Armstrong Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely382 acres
3.5 miles away
Mud Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely176 acres
3.8 miles away
Purvis Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely53 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wolf Lake?
Wolf Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 289 acres and reaches 28 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Wolf Lake?
Wolf Lake covers 289 acres with about 4.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 28 feet.
What fish can you catch at Wolf Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Wolf Lake?
Yes. Wolf Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Wolf Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Wolf 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 Wolf Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Wolf Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.