Skull

Skull Lake is located 18 miles northeast of Ely in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The lake can be accessed by a 27-rod portage from Newfound Lake. Summer visitors are reminded to obtain the proper day use permits from the US Forest Service, which are available in advance or at the public access on Moose Lake. No permits are required during the winter, and there are no campsites on Skull Lake. This 59-acre lake is a designated stream trout lake that is stocked with brook trout in odd years. The lake has a maximum depth of 38 feet and clear water. Brook trout were sampled at a rate of 1.3 fish/net, which was below average for the lake. However, fish sizes were better than in recent surveys, with an average length of nearly 17 inches and average weights of almost 2 pounds. Brook trout were feeding on a variety of invertebrates including various insects, leeches, snails, and crayfish. Although not sampled in this survey, largemouth bass are present in Skull Lake. In 2017, largemouth bass averaged 15 inches in length with individuals up to 18 inches present. Anglers are reminded that they must have a valid trout stamp to fish this designated stream trout lake even if they are targeting bass.

Skull Lake is located approximately 20 miles NE of Ely in the BWCAW. This designated stream trout lake has a long history of brook trout management. There is a 27 rod portage from Newfound Lake for public access. Newfound is part of the Moose Lake Chain where outboard motors are allowed but anglers should be knowledgeable of US Forest Service restrictions as most of this chain is in the BWCAW. Skull Lake itself is paddle-only. Winter anglers will travel approximately 3.7 miles to access the lake by non-motorized means. There are no official campsites located on the lake. Six brook trout, 22 largemouth bass and 2 white sucker were sampled during the 2017 survey of Skull Lake. The total number of fish sampled was the highest since the late 1970's, influenced by the largemouth catch. Brook trout yearlings are currently stocked annually in the spring. Rusty crayfish are also present in Skull Lake. Brook trout numbers in 2017 (1.5/gill net) were lower than the historic average (3.0/gill net) for Skull Lake. Brook trout average length was just under 10 inches which is smaller than the historic average length of 13 inches. Brook trout lengths ranged from 7 inches up to 11.5 inches. No brook trout were sampled in the 2003 and 2012 surveys of Skull Lake. Largemouth bass numbers in 2017 (5.5/gill net) were much higher than the historic average (0.3/gill net) for Skull Lake. Largemouth average length was 15.1 inches which is larger than the historic average length of 13.8 inches. Largemouth lengths ranged from 10 to 18 inches. Largemouth bass were first observed in Skull Lake during the 1988 assessment. Anglers are reminded that they must have a trout stamp to fish this designated stream trout lake even if they are targeting bass.

Skull Lake is located approximately 21 miles NE of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. It has a surface area of 29 acres and a maximum depth of 38 feet. Access is by a 20 rod portage from Newfound Lake. There are no designated campsites on the lake. Even though Skull Lake is a designated stream trout lake, largemouth bass dominated the catch. Largemouth bass numbers (5.7/trap net) were slightly above average compared to other lakes in this class. The growth rate was faster than average compared to other lakes in the area. The largest largemouth sampled was nearly 13 inches long and four years old. Four brook trout were sampled in one of the monofilament gill nets. The average length was 10.8 inches. The largest brook trout sampled was 11.4 inches long. The only other fish species observed was white sucker. Rusty crayfish were present.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Brook Trout and Largemouth Bass in Skull. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Skull. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Skull has a maximum depth of 38 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Skull is from 2023.

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