(1)Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Nels Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Nels Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nels Lake, MN
- How big is Nels Lake?
- How deep is Nels Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Nels Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Nels Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Nels Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Nels Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Nels Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Nels Lake?
How big is Nels Lake?
How deep is Nels Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Nels Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Shorthead Redhorse and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Nels Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Nels Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Nels Lake?
History & Status of the Fishery
Nels Lake is located approximately 10 miles NW of Ely in the Superior National Forest. There is a concrete boat ramp located off USFS road #1881 on the E side of the Echo Trail (CR116) for public access. There are 3 campsites located around the lake for overnight use. The inlet to Nels Lake is from Hegman Lake and the outlet is to Picket Lake. Lake bottom substrates along the shoreline of Nels Lake are ledgerock, boulder, and rubble, interspersed with sand or muck. Water shield and floatingleaf burreed are the most common aquatic plants. Nels is a softwater (unmineralized) lake. The results of the 2016 survey of Nels Lake indicate a fish community that is similar to previous investigations. Fish populations in 2016 were near or below average compared to other similar area lakes and historical data. Walleye numbers in 2016 (2.3/gill net) were lower than the historic average for Nels Lake. The average walleye sampled was 10.6 inches long and about 4 years old. Sixty-nine percent of the walleye were age 1. Walleye fry are stocked during odd numbered years on Nels Lake and in 2016 all walleye were from years that were stocked. The largest walleye sampled was just over 20 inches long. Northern pike numbers in 2016 (2.7/gill net) were slightly above the historical average for this lake. The average pike sampled was 20.3 inches long and the largest pike was 39 inches which was the only pike sampled over 23 inches long. Bluegill abundance in 2016 (5.1/trap net) was identical to the historical average. The average bluegill sampled was 6.9 inches long and the largest bluegill was 9.5 inches. Eleven percent of the bluegill sampled were 8 inches or larger. Largemouth and smallmouth bass were sampled in 2016 on Nels Lake. Electrofishing revealed a bass population of relatively low abundance. The average largemouth sampled was 13.4 inches long and about 6 years old. The largest bass was a largemouth sampled in a trap net and measured 16 inches.
What is the average air temp for Nels Lake?
Are there any state parks near Nels Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Nels Lake Reviews
Below is the word on street about Nels Lake.Have you been to Nels Lake? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
Submit Review
dave m.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Nels Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Regenbogen Lake | 1.2 mi | 11 | 34 ft |
| South Hegman Lake | 1.4 mi | 118 | 55 ft |
| First Lake | 1.6 mi | 16 | 30 ft |
| Tee Lake | 1.6 mi | 39 | 25 ft |
| Erickson Lake | 1.7 mi | 97 | 0 ft |
| North Hegman Lake | 1.9 mi | 70 | 30 ft |
| Picket Lake | 2.1 mi | 68 | 9 ft |
| Grassy Lake | 2.2 mi | 93 | 4 ft |
| Grassy Lake | 2.2 mi | 257 | 15 ft |
| Sletten Lake | 2.3 mi | 25 | 46 ft |
