Alton Lake

How big is Alton Lake?

How deep is Alton Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Alton Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Alton Lake?

Alton Lake has a surface area of 969 acres and a maximum depth of 72 feet. The lake is located in western Cook County and is entirely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). There are 15 designated campsites around the lake maintained by the US Forest Service. There are no direct access points to Alton Lake; one of four portages can be used to access the lake. The primary portage to the lake is a 29 rod portage from Sawbill Lake to the east shore of Alton Lake. There is a 169 rod portage from the south shore of Alton Lake to Wonder Lake. A 151 rod portage connects the west shore of Alton Lake to Beth Lake and a 13 rod portage connects the north end of Alton Lake to Kelso Lake.

The purpose of the 2018 survey was to monitor the status of the fish community in Alton Lake. The fish community consists of Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee. The fish community is maintained through natural reproduction. Alton Lake is known for its Smallmouth Bass angling but also offers good opportunities for eater sized Walleye. Anglers may also catch occasional Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass.

Walleye catch was average when compared to similar lakes. The average weight of Walleye sampled was 1 1/3 pounds. Average length was approximately 16 inches with the longest fish measuring 25 inches. Nine different ages of Walleye were identified in the sample with fish ranging from age-2 to age-13. Walleye were well distributed within this age range with no year classes dramatically larger than others. Walleye growth was average when compared to similar lakes in the area.

Northern Pike catch was near average when compared to similar lakes. Pike averaged 2 1/4 pounds with an average length of 22 inches. Five ages of Northern Pike were represented in the sample ranging from two to six.

Smallmouth Bass catch was well above average compared to similar lakes. Average size was 14 inches and 1 3/4 pounds. The largest Smallmouth Bass weighed 3 3/4 pounds and was 18 inches long. Smallmouth Bass ranged in age from zero to 15 with age-3 fish making up the largest portion of the sample. These fish averaged 13 inches at the time of sampling. Smallmouth Bass growth was fast when compared to other area lakes.

Yellow Perch catch was average compared to similar lakes in the area. The average length was 6 1/2 inches with fish up to 8 inches long sampled. These fish ranged in age from zero to four. A single Tullibee was sample, it measured 18 1/2 inches and was estimated to be 17 years old. Other species sampled were White Sucker, Rock Bass, and Johnny Darter.

Are there any state parks near Alton Lake?