Fish Lake Reservoir Vacation Rentals

Why Rent On Fish Lake Reservoir

A vast north-woods reservoir 20 miles from Duluth

Fish Lake Reservoir, sometimes called Fish Lake Flowage, is a broad impoundment of the Beaver River in St. Louis County, Minnesota, located about 20 miles northwest of Duluth across Fredenberg, Canosia, and Grand Lake townships. The Beaver River Dam creates what grows to a 3,526-acre surface at normal pool, with more than 75 percent of the reservoir in shallow littoral water that supports an exceptionally productive mix of warm- and coolwater fish species. Two public access points, one managed by Minnesota Power and one by the Minnesota DNR near County Road 15, provide the primary entry for boaters and anglers. The surrounding landscape is classic Minnesota north woods: conifer and mixed hardwood forest, wetland margins, and the quiet that distinguishes lakes this far from the Twin Cities.

What to do on Fish Lake Reservoir

• Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass are all present. Special walleye regulations apply at Fish Lake Reservoir; fish less than 13 inches or between 17 and 26 inches must be immediately released, and only one walleye over 26 inches is allowed in possession with a daily possession limit of three. Check current Minnesota DNR regulations before you fish. A valid Minnesota fishing license is required.
• Boating: Minnesota Power owns and operates the north-side access at Township Road 285. The DNR access on the west end near County Road 15 provides the second launch point. Concrete and earth ramps accommodate watercraft up to 18 feet.
• Kayaking and canoeing: The reservoir’s extensive shallow areas and wetland edges suit paddling exploration. Early mornings before motorboat traffic peaks offer the calmest conditions.
• Ice fishing: Fish Lake Reservoir is a productive winter destination for walleye, northern pike, and crappie. Check ice thickness and safety conditions before venturing out; local bait shops in the Duluth area track ice conditions through winter.

Things to do near Fish Lake Reservoir

• Duluth (20 miles southeast): The Duluth waterfront on Lake Superior offers the Great Lakes Aquarium, Canal Park, the Aerial Lift Bridge, the DECC entertainment complex, and extensive trail systems including the Duluth traverse mountain bike network.
• Jay Cooke State Park: About 15 miles south of Duluth on the St. Louis River, with dramatic river gorges, suspension bridge, and extensive hiking.
• Cloquet River: The reservoir drains into the Cloquet and eventually the St. Louis River system; the surrounding rivers offer additional fishing and paddling opportunities.
• Two Harbors and the North Shore: About 25 miles northeast of Duluth, the Lake Superior North Shore provides waterfall hikes, state parks, and one of Minnesota’s most scenic drives.

Is Fish Lake Reservoir good for families?

It works best for families who enjoy fishing, paddling, and the north-woods outdoors in a setting that hasn’t been polished into a resort destination. The reservoir’s scale gives boating families real room to move, and the extensive shallow water is genuinely productive for panfish that younger anglers can catch on simple tackle. Duluth’s proximity means you can pair reservoir days with Lake Superior’s lakefront attractions, waterfalls, and the city’s strong food and brewery scene for a well-rounded week. Cabin and vacation home rentals in the Duluth-area townships northwest of the city provide a comfortable local base.

What is the best time to visit Fish Lake Reservoir?

Late May through early July is prime for walleye and bass fishing; ice comes off in April and fish become active quickly in the warming shallows. Summer is the most comfortable for boating and camping, though Minnesota north-woods weather can turn cold and rainy at any point in the season. Bring layers regardless of the forecast. Fall color in St. Louis County typically peaks in late September to early October and is spectacular from a boat or paddle on the reservoir. Winter ice fishing runs from roughly January through mid-March in most years; local conditions vary.

Planning your visit to Fish Lake Reservoir

Contact the Minnesota DNR or Minnesota Power for current access and any operational changes at the boat launches. A Minnesota fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. The special walleye regulations at this reservoir are stricter than statewide defaults; check the Minnesota DNR’s lake-specific regulation page before fishing. Life jackets are required for children under 10 to be worn at all times on the water; all watercraft must carry a USCG-approved PFD for every person aboard.

Where to stay near Fish Lake Reservoir

Vacation rentals and cabin accommodations in the Duluth area and the townships northwest of the city give families a warm base for fishing trips to the reservoir and day access to Duluth’s waterfront. Several lakeside cabins in the broader St. Louis County area combine waterfront access with the north-woods atmosphere that defines a Minnesota fishing trip. Browse Lake.com for current cabin and vacation home options near Fish Lake Reservoir and the Duluth area.