Iron Lake

How big is Iron Lake?

How deep is Iron Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Iron Lake?

Are there boat launches on Iron Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Iron Lake?

Iron Lake is a 122-acre lake located 38 miles northwest of Grand Marais off the Gunflint Trail. Public access is through a boat landing near the northwest bay of the lake. Iron Lake was historically managed for walleye. However, supplemental stocking efforts were deemed unsuccessful and stocking discontinued in 2016. Iron Lake is now managed for bluegill and northern pike. The 2023 standard survey was the first of two scheduled surveys to evaluate survival and growth of the bluegill, northern pike, and walleye populations.

The bluegill catch was similar to the past few surveys and met the current management goal. It did fall slightly below average for similar lakes in the area. Size structure of bluegill was 3.4 to 10.7 inches with a mean length of about 4 inches. The majority of the fish collected were under 6 inches but a large 10.7 inch bluegill was found in the survey and was aged at 9 years old. Bluegill growth rates were above average compared to other Grand Marais area lakes with the potential to grow large.

Northern pike abundance was slightly higher than the previous two surveys and met the current management goal. Catch rates are higher than similar area lakes. Northern pike ranged from 9.1 to 25.2 inches with a mean length 18.4 inches. Iron Lake supports a relatively abundant northern pike population and can provide anglers with good northern pike action.

Walleye catch rates were very low and had been relatively low since the 1980s. Catch rates are below average for similar area lakes. The few walleye captured ranged from 13.3 to 19.8 inches with a mean of 12.5 inches. Aging results suggest that most of the fish had been naturally reproduced and grew at average rates compared to other area lakes. Walleye goals continue to be not met in Iron Lake and suggest that the walleye population may not reach desired levels.

White sucker catches were similar to previous surveys. Other species collected in small numbers were yellow perch, rock bass, and one splake. Iron has never been stocked with splake and this fish likely swam over from Portage Lake as through a creek connection between the two waterbodies.

Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.

Are there any state parks near Iron Lake?