Larch

Larch Lake is a shallow, 132-acre lake with a maximum depth of 14.0 feet and is located completely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Access to the lake is considered moderate, with a relatively short 1.5-mile paddle over multiple beaver dams from the Larch Creek State Water Access Site located just off the Gunflint Trail. Larch Lake is a popular travel route for BWCAW paddlers traveling towards the Granite River. Most of the lake is quite shallow with abundant vegetation that provides good habitat for northern pike, which is the primary management species. In 2025, a standard survey was conducted to update the current fish community in Larch Lake since the last survey occurred in 1991. Northern pike abundance from gillnets was higher than the previous survey at 5.0 fish/net and met the management objective for the lake. Northern pike lengths ranged from 16.5 to 28.3 inches, with an average length of 20.4 inches. Approximately 33% of the catch was greater than 21.0 inches, providing anglers with opportunities to catch smaller to medium sized fish. Multiple year classes of northern pike were present during the survey, with ages ranging from 3 to 13. Northern pike growth was fast for younger first but declined significantly after age four. Anglers can expect average catch rates of smaller sized northern pike. Walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and bluegill were also caught during the survey, but in low numbers. A total of four walleye were caught and ranged between 9.8 and 19.6 inches. Age and length information indicated that walleye growth was average in Larch Lake, taking fish five years to reach 15.0 inches. It appears that natural reproduction of walleye is limited, but enough to sustain a small population. Smallmouth bass were not found in the 1991 survey, but the 2025 survey documented the species for the first time and this corroborates with what anglers have reported over the last two decades. Minnesota Lakes within Cook County 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.

Introductory walleye stocking in 1986 and 1987 succeeded in establishing a walleye population, which is now reproducing naturally. Walleye abundance was relatively low, and most of the fish collected were very small, since there were few survivors from the original stocking, and naturally-produced fish had not yet become abundant. Northern pike abundance was also relatively low, but several large fish were collected.

Larch Lake has fair populations of small N Pike and large Suckers and a sparse population of Yel Perch. Small Suckers and Perch are probably cropped down by the N Pike.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch in Larch. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Larch. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Larch has a maximum depth of 14 feet and a mean depth of 4 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Larch is from 2025.

No invasive species are on record for Larch in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.