White Iron Lake

How big is White Iron Lake?

How deep is White Iron Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in White Iron Lake?

What are the closest cities to White Iron Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available White Iron 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 White Iron Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

White Iron Lake (North)

White Iron Lake (South)

Are there boat launches on White Iron Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near White Iron Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for White Iron Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations White Iron Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

White Iron Lake, located 5 miles east of Ely in northeastern St. Louis and western Lake Counties, is in a group of several lakes in the Kawishiwi River system often referred to as the White Iron Chain of Lakes (WICOL). The WICOL system includes Farm, South Farm, and Garden lakes. Hydroelectric dams between Garden Lake and Fall Lake and between Birch Lake and White Iron Lake control flow and water levels in the WICOL reservoir system. White Iron has a large (592,626 acres) heavily forested watershed that drains the majority of the South Kawishiwi River watershed. Numerous wetlands in the watershed are responsible for the stained color and limited water clarity compared to other lakes in the region. The water column tends to be well mixed and dissolved oxygen levels have remained above 2 ppm in depths to 30 feet. The lake is accessed via two separate public concrete ramps on the west side of the lake and navigable channel connecting the north end of the lake to Farm Lake. Rocky substrates and low water clarity limit aquatic plant growth in the lake, however plants can be found in high density in some of the shallow bays.

White Iron Lake was selected as one of 25 Sentinel Lakes in Minnesota's Long-term Monitoring Program (i.e., Sustaining Lakes in a Changing Environment [SLICE]). It represents lakes of the Canadian Shield ecoregion in northeastern Minnesota. As a tier 2 Sentinel Lake, data is being collected on water characteristics, aquatic plants, fish populations, and other potential biological indicators to identify and understand changing lake conditions. In addition to standard fish population assessments, sampling includes spring electrofishing targeting bass, index of biotic integrity (IBI) surveys assessing the nearshore fish community, and aquatic vegetation surveys. Additional surveys will increase knowledge of fish species that are not effectively sampled using the standard gear and to assess habitat. Furthermore, supplemental age and growth information will be collected for specific indicator species like Yellow Perch. Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass hatch dates and first year growth rates are also being examined as part of a larger study in Sentinel Lakes.

White Iron Lake maintains naturally reproducing populations of several important game fish species including Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Smallmouth Bass. Special regulations for Walleye and Northern Pike are in effect for the WICOL system. Since 2003, a protected slot limit for northern pike requires releasing all fish between 24 and 36 inches, with only one fish over 36 inches allowed in possession in the 3 fish bag limit. The regulation is designed to increase the proportion of Northern Pike greater than 24 inches. Since 2006, a regulation has required the release of all Walleye from 17 to 26 inches, with only one fish over 26 inches allowed in the 6 fish possession limit. The goal is to maintain walleye numbers while increasing the proportion over 17 inches. The fish community of White Iron is diverse with substantial populations of cold, cool, and warm water species. No stocking of any species is currently done in White Iron Lake; however, the adjacent Garden Lake Reservoir has been stocked with Walleye fingerlings in odd years since 1991. A total of 10 different fish species were sampled using gill nets and trap nets in 2014: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Cisco (Tullibee), Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Muskellunge, Walleye, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch. Also, non-native rusty crayfish were captured in 2014 after being first discovered in WICOL in 2003 and confirmed in White Iron Lake in 2007.

The catch rate of 4.7 Walleye/gill net was about average for Tower Area lakes, but slightly lower than recent surveys on White Iron Lake. Most Walleye in the recent sample were less than 13 inches and age-3 or less indicating consistent natural reproduction and angling opportunities for fish under the protected slot in the near future. Walleye on White Iron Lake grow very slowly compared other lakes in the Tower Area. On average, it takes about six years for a Walleye to reach 17 inches and enter into the protected slot.

There is a low density population of quality-sized Northern Pike that anglers will enjoy catching. In 2014, DNR personnel sampled pike up to 43 inches. The larger Northern Pike take many years to attain this size and anglers should consider practicing selective harvest by releasing them and targeting fish below the protected 24 to 36 inches slot limit for harvest. The average length of Northern Pike sampled in gill nets in 2014 was less than 24 inches.

Angling opportunities for Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch are also present. Quality to trophy sized Smallmouth Bass are present with fish between 17 and 21 inches sampled. Black Crappie up to 12.6 inches were also present. Plus, several Yellow Perch from 8 to 10 inches were caught. Additionally, 1 tiger muskellunge was captured in 2014 indicating an extremely low population persists in WICOL despite not being stocked in over 30 years.

What is the average air temp for White Iron Lake?

Are there any state parks near White Iron Lake?