Whitefish Lake

How big is Whitefish Lake?

How deep is Whitefish Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Whitefish Lake?

Are there boat launches on Whitefish Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Whitefish Lake?

Whitefish Lake is a 339 acre body of water located approximately 13 miles northwest of Tofte, MN. There is a carry-in public access and small (4 site) campground on the north end of the lake, three remote campsites are scattered along the shoreline, all maintained by the U. S. Forest Service (USFS). Whitefish Lake is one of the entry points to the "Timber - Frear canoe route" that is managed by the USFS as a Semi-Primitive Motorized Area, providing a wilderness experience outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Portage trails from Elbow Lake (65 rods) and South Wigwam Lake (20 rods) also provide access to Whitefish Lake.

Whitefish is a very soft-water lake with a total alkalinity of 16.0 ppm and pH 7.35, based on field measurements taken in 2010. Dissolved oxygen was 5.1 ppm at 24 feet, dropping to 2.2 ppm at 26 feet in August 2010. The secchi disk reading was 19.0 feet, in light green water.

The fish sample in 2010 consisted of northern pike, rock bass, walleye, white sucker and yellow perch. The walleye numbers were well above average in 2010, for northeastern Minnesota lakes with similar characteristics (lake class). Previous investigations have also recorded high walleye catches on Whitefish Lake. The average size of walleye sampled was slightly below average, 1.2 pounds (14.7 inches) for the lake class; the largest walleye was 25.2 inches. Thirty-one percent of the walleye sampled in 2010 were greater than 15 inches. Walleye stocking was discontinued in 1986 when natural reproduction checks and assessment netting indicated that walleye reproduction was sufficient to maintain a walleye fishery in Whitefish Lake. The carry-in access, suitable for small boats and canoes, probably limits the fishing pressure on Whitefish Lake which then allows the slow growing walleye an opportunity to attain quality size and maintain high numbers.

Northern pike were sampled in slightly below average numbers for the lake class, but similar to previous catches on Whitefish Lake. The northern pike average size was 3.8 pounds (23 inches); 28% of the northern pike sample was greater than 29 inches the largest northern pike measuring 35.7 inches. The average size recorded in the 2010 population assessment was larger than in previous investigations.

Yellow perch were sampled in above average numbers for the lake class in the 2010 population assessment, the numbers of yellow perch have fluctuated widely in previous investigations. The average weight of yellow perch sampled was about one-quarter pound (8.1 inches); 56% of the yellow perch sampled were greater than 8 inches, the largest 11 inches.

What is the average air temp for Whitefish Lake?

Are there any state parks near Whitefish Lake?