Tofte

Tofte is a 134-acre designated stream trout lake located 14 miles east of Ely off the Fernberg Road. It is clear, has a maximum depth of 73 feet, and has generally rocky shorelines interspersed with areas of muck. Aquatic vegetation is largely limited to the shallow north bay. Four primitive campsites are present around the lake, and development is limited to two private parcels. Trails branch from the landing and provide several shore fishing opportunities, though there are no designated piers. Rainbow trout yearlings are annually stocked and splake fingerlings every other year. Fifty-nine splake were sampled for a catch rate of 1.1/net. This was identical to the long-term average for Tofte. Lengths ranged from five to 24 inches with an average of 14 inches, which is somewhat higher than typical. Quarter-inch trap nets captured an additional 11 splake including the largest fish at 25 inches. Thirteen rainbow trout were sampled for a catch rate of 0.3/net. This was also identical to the long-term average. Rainbow trout are difficult to sample with survey gear, especially in a lake as large and deep as Tofte. Lengths ranged from 12 to 18 inches with an average of 15 inches higher than typical.

Tofte Lake is located 14 miles east of Ely. The lake is accessed by a concrete ramp off the Fernberg Road. This 134 acre has a maximum depth of 73 feet and clear water. On April 26, 2021 Tofte Lake was showing the start of thermal stratification, but was still relatively consistent throughout the water column with a surface temperature of 42 F and a bottom temperature of 40 F. Dissolved oxygen levels were adequate for trout to a depth of 60.0 feet. Shoal-water substrates consist of mostly rubble, boulder, and ledge rock. The recent stocking strategy on Tofte uses a combination of rainbow trout and splake. The six most recent years (2015 to 2020) prior to this 2021 survey include rainbows every year with splake also stocked in 2015, 2017, and 2019. Seven rainbow trout were sampled for a catch rate of 0.2 fish/net which was not vastly different than past catches. Yield was 0.3 lbs/net. Lengths ranged from 13 to nearly 23 inches with an average of 16 inches and an average weight of nearly 2 pounds. The largest rainbow in this survey was the largest sampled of any past surveys on the lake. These sizes indicate at least three, if not more, year classes were represented. The splake catch was more substantial with 70 fish sampled for a catch rate of 1.6 fish/net. Yield was 2.2 lbs/net. Lengths ranged from 11 to 21 inches with an average of nearly 15 inches and an average weight of over one pound. The largest splake sampled was the second largest on record from Tofte Lake. Size distribution indicates at minimum the 2017 and 2019 year classes were present with the possibility that earlier year classes could have also been represented.

Tofte Lake is located approximately 13 miles NE of Ely within the Superior National Forest. This designated stream trout lake is popular with anglers and is one of the more heavily fished trout lakes in the area. Rainbow trout yearlings are stocked annually and splake fingerlings are currently stocked biennially. There is a concrete planked boat ramp located on the S side of the lake for public access. The access is located off CR 18 (Fernberg Road). Shore fishing is also an option with paths leading from both sides of the access. There are four designated campsites located around the lake for use. A total of 23 trap nets were set in 2017 with the objective of sampling trout using a non-lethal method while also being able to remove competing white sucker. Splake numbers (1.1/trap net) were similar to past results. The average splake sampled in 2017 was 13.4 inches which is slightly larger than the historic average of 12.9 inches. The largest splake sampled was a respectable 20.2 inches in length. Only 3 rainbow trout were sampled in 2017. This sample is misleading as rainbow trout are often abundant in Tofte Lake. Rainbow sizes ranged from 9.6 to 14.7 inches. A total of 757 (32.9/trap net) white sucker were removed during the 2017 effort. No lengths were recorded, however, a total of 1,022 pounds of suckers were removed. In 2012, white sucker were removed at a rate of 59.4/trap net. Rusty crayfish were not sampled with the trap nets in 2017, however, they are commonly observed. Minnow species are common in shallow areas near shore.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Splake and Rainbow Trout in Tofte. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Tofte has a maximum depth of 73 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Tofte is from 2003. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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