Pickerel Lake
Pickerel lake is a 181 acre lake in Lake County. The southern border of the lake is on the boundary to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
There is a 120 rod portage into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from this lake.
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Access to the 2 sites on this lake is portage carry down from a high clearance road.
When visiting, please remember
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218) 365-7600
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.91863037
Longitude: -91.66418594
Directions
There is no road access to this lake, you will need to portage from Fernberg Road.
From Ely
- Take MN-169 N/E. Sheridan St for 4.2 miles
- Continue onto Fernberg Road/US Forest Service Highway 6 and drive 4.8 miles
- Turn right and travel .3 miles
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Fish species: bluegill, northern pike, rock bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker
Recreation Groups
These sites are ones where you travel through Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to get to where you are going, either paddling, hiking, or portaging from one lake to an