Snowbank Lake

How big is Snowbank Lake?

How deep is Snowbank Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Snowbank Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Snowbank Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Snowbank Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Snowbank Lake

Are there boat launches on Snowbank Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Snowbank Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Snowbank Lake?

Snowbank Lake is a 4,273-acre lake with a maximum depth of 150 feet located 18 miles east and 5 miles north of Ely in Lake County. The lake is located on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). There is a public access with a concrete boat ramp and a canoe landing at the end of the Snowbank Lake Road off the Fernberg Road on the south end of the lake. Snowbank Lake is a popular entry point for the BWCAW administered by United States Forest Service (USFS). Permits are required on the BWCAW portion of the lake. Please contact USFS for information on necessary permits. Outboard motors are restricted to 25 horsepower maximum on the BWCAW portion of the lake. Snowbank Lake is managed primarily for lake trout and walleye.

An aquatic vegetation survey was included in the 2010 sampling on Snowbank Lake. All aquatic plants identified had an abundance rating of rare. The shallow bays on the south end of the lake have the most abundant aquatic plants and are critically important to the over-all health of the lake. In 2010, the non-native rusty crayfish were first discovered for the first time in Snowbank Lake. Clearwater crayfish, another non-native crayfish, also exists in the lake. Their introduction into Snowbank Lake and surrounding lakes was probably accidental by anglers using them as bait. It is unlawful to harvest and transport crayfish.

Snowbank Lake has a combination of private and public shoreline. Most of the northeast half of the lake is in the BWCAW. Most of the southwest half of the lake is privately owned and subject to development. The number of lake homes on the lake has increased from 18 in 1983 to 34 in 2010. This increasing development on the south end of the lake and within the lakeshed can degrade water quality and impact valuable shoreline habitat. Lakeshore owners can minimize their impact on the shoreline and maintain a more natural setting while decreasing annual maintenance. For more information on how to accomplish this, contact the nearest area fisheries office or go to www.mndnr.gov website.

Snowbank Lake is a popular destination for anglers seeking walleye, lake trout, northern pike and smallmouth bass. In 2010, lake trout up to 28 inches were sampled by DNR personnel. These lake trout consisted of nine different year classes indicating good natural reproduction.

In 2010, walleye abundance was typical of past assessments. Walleye sampled ranged in length from 8.5 inches to 27.5 inches with an average of 15.8 inches. Ten different year classes were identified in the sample with the 2007 year class (age 3) comprising 72% of the sample. All of these year classes are the result of natural reproduction.

Northern pike abundance was typical for BWCAW lakes. Pike up to 31 inches were sampled in 2010; however, pike up 38 inches have been sampled in past assessments. Silver pike, a rare color phase are present in Snowbank Lake and some of the adjacent lakes. The connecting Disappointment Lake is connected to Snowbank and currently holds the state record for silver pike.

Smallmouth bass provide additional opportunities for anglers on Snowbank Lake. Smallmouth up to 18 inches long have been sampled in past assessments. Largemouth bass are also present in the lake especially in the shallow south bays.

There is a fish consumption advisory on fish from Snowbank Lake due to mercury. For information see www.mndnr.gov/Lakefinder.

What is the average air temp for Snowbank Lake?