Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Bruin Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Bruin Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bruin Lake, MN
- How big is Bruin Lake?
- How deep is Bruin Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Bruin Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Bruin Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Bruin Lake area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Bruin Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Bruin Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Bruin Lake?
How big is Bruin Lake?
How deep is Bruin Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Bruin Lake?
What are the closest cities to Bruin Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Bruin Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there places to eat and drink near Bruin Lake?
History & Status of the Fishery
Bruin Lake is located approximately 7 miles SE of Ely in the BWCAW. This 35 acre lake has dark, bog stained water and the shorelines are rocky with moss covered ledgerock areas present. The surrounding forest is dominated by conifers growing on shallow soils.
A short 10 rod portage from the South Kawishiwi River is the most common access to Bruin Lake. A longer (285 rod) portage from Little Gabbro Lake is another option for access. The survey crew could not locate the USFS campsite near the long portage.
Northern pike were the only fish species sampled in the gill nets in 2015. Pike numbers (1.7/gill net) were below average compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average pike sampled was 22.6 inches and the largest pike sampled was 28 inches long.
Young-of-the-year largemouth bass were observed near shore in 2015. Black crappie were reported by ice anglers in the past. The last survey in 1975 indicated low numbers of northern pike, rock bass and yellow perch.
What is the average air temp for Bruin Lake?
Are there any state parks near Bruin Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Bruin Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Little Gabbro Lake | 1.2 mi | 148 | 26 ft |
| Nickel Lake | 2.3 mi | 23 | 10 ft |
| Eskwagama Lake | 2.3 mi | 88 | 12 ft |
| Gabbro Lake | 2.6 mi | 977 | 50 ft |
| Omaday Lake | 2.8 mi | 38 | 7 ft |
| Clear Lake | 2.9 mi | 248 | 17 ft |
| South Farm Lake | 3.0 mi | 564 | 31 ft |
| Bogberry Lake | 3.9 mi | 81 | 7 ft |
| Pickerel Lake | 4.2 mi | 182 | 13 ft |
| Turtle Lake | 4.5 mi | 343 | 10 ft |
