Johnson Lake

How big is Johnson Lake?

How deep is Johnson Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Johnson Lake?

What are the closest cities to Johnson Lake?

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

Johnson Lake

Are there boat launches on Johnson Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Johnson Lake?

Johnson Lake is located approximately 6 miles south of Ely in the Superior National Forest. The rolling shoreline is forested in a pine-hardwood mix and is lightly developed by area standards. Maximum depth is 19 feet and much of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. A heavy bog stain limits water clarity, which was four feet at the time of the survey. Submerged vegetation is sparse, but emergent vegetation is prominent in shallow bays.

A gravel access is located on the southeast side of the lake off CR 21. Shallow rocks and tight corners can make launching a large boat difficult. A 3/4 mile portage to the Beaver River is located on the west end of Johnson Lake and is most often used by snowmobiles.

Eleven species of fish were sampled in this survey of Johnson Lake. Total yield for both gill nets (22.6 lbs/net) and trap nets (27.7 lbs/net) were the highest on record for the lake. Northern pike dominated the gill net catch and bluegill dominated the trap net sets. Black crappie were sampled in numbers near their historic average. Low numbers of other gamefish, including walleye and largemouth bass, were also sampled. Black bullhead were first detected in 2018, and were present in greater size and abundance in 2022.

Northern pike numbers (7.3/gill net) were the highest surveyed for the lake and above the third quartile (6.3/gill net) when compared to similar lakes in the area. The average pike measured 21 inches which was larger than the historic average of 19.5 inches. Seventeen percent of the pike were longer than 24 inches, and the largest pike was 31 inches. Though not represented in this survey Johnson has produced trophy pike occasionally.

Bluegill numbers (23.8/trap net) were also the highest on record and well above the third quartile (6.3/gill net) of the lake class. The average bluegill was just over 6 inches which was similar to the average for Johnson Lake. Only 2% of the bluegill were 8 inches or larger. Growth rates were average for the lake class. The largest bluegill was nearly 10 inches long. Anglers are encouraged to release large bluegill to maintain quality size structure.

Black crappie abundance (6.3/trap net) was on par with the historic average for this lake and above average (3.1/trap net) for its lake class. The crappie average length was just over 8 inches, which was near the overall lake average. Forty-six percent of the crappie sampled in 2018 were 8 inches or larger with a maximum length of 11 inches. The 2014 and 2018 year classes were most prevalent.

Six walleye were sampled with the majority captured in trap nets. Sizes ranged from 15.5 to 23 inches and growth rates were normal for the area. Eighty percent of aged fish were from stocked years.

Largemouth bass were captured in low abundance but at a quality size of 18 inches. Standard survey nets traditionally undersample bass and they are likely more abundant than this survey suggests.

A few of the game fish examined in 2022 were infected with neascus (black spot). It is a common parasite native to the area.

What is the average air temp for Johnson Lake?

Are there any state parks near Johnson Lake?