Harris

Harris Lake is a small, remote lake with bog colored water located about twenty miles southeast of Ely within the Superior National Forest. The lake has two deeper basins separated by a shallow vegetated channel. The land around the lake and within the watershed is federally owned and access to the lake is via Forest Service Road 553 which is a rugged forest road off State Highway 1 suitable only for high clearance vehicles. Gear must then be carried approximately 100 feet over large boulders from the end of the road to reach the lake. A standard survey was completed in 2025 to monitor the status of the fish community and provide updated information about angling opportunities. Walleye were less abundant than in the previous survey, but the size of the fish caught was much larger. The average length of Walleye sampled in 2025 was 19 inches and the average weight was about two and a half pounds. Age analysis determined all of the fish were age-4 and older suggesting limited recruitment in recent years. Survey results indicate the current population abundance is still within the normal range for similar lakes and should continue to provide decent angling opportunities. The Muskellunge catch was similar to the six previous surveys of the lake dating back to the 1980's. The small size structure is similar to other lakes in the area with Shoepack strain Muskellunge populations that rarely produce fish over 36 inches long. Black Crappie were sampled again after none were captured in the previous survey. Most crappie were age-2, but four other year classes were sampled. Survey results indicate the lake supports a population with inconsistent natural reproduction and angling opportunities.

Harris Lake is 122 acres with a maximum depth of about 15 feet in each of the lake basins which are connected by a shallow channel. Much of the shoreline is ledge rock and boulder, the water is brown and bog-stained with a Secchi disk reading of 3.5 feet. The lake is one mile from State Highway 1 on a very rough logging road, a high clearance four-wheeled drive vehicle is recommended for travel on this route. The carry-in access is suitable for canoes and small boats which must be carried approximately 100 feet over large boulders to the lake. Parking is limited to about three vehicles near the lake; there is very little room to turn around. There are two user developed campsites on the eastern basin of Harris Lake. Walleye are the primary management species in Harris Lake. Walleye were first sampled in Harris Lake in a 1979 lake survey the walleye likely had migrated to Harris Lake from Little Spring Lake which was used as a walleye rearing pond in 1977 and 1978. The walleye population in Harris Lake was well above average in 2013 compared to lakes with similar characteristics. The average size was 14.4 inches (1.1 pound) the largest walleye sampled was 27.8 inches (7.2 pounds). Natural reproduction maintains the walleye population in Harris Lake and like most natural lakes there are fluctuations in year-class strength. Scale ageing has shown that 2009-2011 were very strong year-classes and should provide good walleye fishing; there is presently no need to stock walleye in this lake. Muskellunge were introduced in Harris Lake in 1965 and stocked again in1969; there had been few northern pike in the lake. The Shoepack strain of muskellunge present in Harris Lake generally does not attain lengths greater than 40 inches and it is unlikely an angler will catch one over the present legal harvest length of 48 inches. The muskellunge population was below average in 2013 compared to lakes with similar characteristics. The average size was 27.2 inches (3.7 pounds) the largest muskellunge was 32.5 inches (6.3 pounds). Natural reproduction appears to be fairly consistent for muskellunge with six consecutive year-classes represented in the aged sample. Harris Lake is no longer on the designated muskellunge lake list; however, all regulations pertaining to the angling and harvest of muskellunge statewide apply to this lake. The population assessment in 2013 was the first investigation that did not sample black crappie in any gear since the initial lake information was collected in 1963. The black crappie numbers have fallen off in recent investigations; it is possible this is the result of low reproductive success. It is likely that black crappies are present in Harris Lake in low numbers; however, a few strong year-classes are needed to re-establish a good fishable population. Bluegill numbers were again below average for the lake class, but within the range sampled in the previous two investigations in Harris Lake. The average length was about 4 inches; the largest bluegill was 4.4 inches in the 2013 investigation. Bluegills in northeastern Minnesota lakes generally have limited reproductive success/survival, with only occasionally strong year-classes produced. The low numbers of small bluegills sampled in 2013 probably would not interest anglers. As with all the forage species in Harris Lake the yellow perch numbers were below average and the size was small. The average length was 6.42 inches; the largest yellow perch was 8 inches. Pumpkinseed sunfish, hybrid sunfish, white sucker and golden shiner were also sampled in low numbers.

Harris Lake is one mile from a paved road on a very rough logging road, where four wheel drive and high ground clearance is advised. The access is suitable for small boats and canoes, which must be carried across approximately 100 feet of large boulders.Test nets sampled walleye, muskellunge, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, white sucker and golden shiner during the 2004 assessment.Walleye were sampled in average numbers and averaged about 1.3 lb/fish. Walleye from 9 to 26.1 inches (6.4 pounds) were collected, with approximately 22% of the walleye larger than 20 inches. The walleye population is sustained by natural reproduction. The last walleye stocking was in 1982.Muskellunge were sampled in average numbers and averaged 4.3 lb/fish. The fish were from 22.3 to 30.3 inches in length, with fish in the 24 to 28 inch range the most common. The muskellunge in Harris Lake are Shoepack strain, which are not known to attain trophy size. Legal size (40 inch) fish are rare in this lake. Harris Lake was removed from the designated muskellunge lake list in 2004. That means northern pike, white sucker and any other fish legal to spear can be taken by this method. Muskellunge cannot be speared, must be at least 40 inches in length, and caught angling in the open season to legally possess.Black crappie and bluegill are present , but not in great abundance. Black crappie were sampled in below average numbers, with only one quality size fish (11.7 inches) sampled. Bluegill were sampled in average numbers; however, the size was small with all bluegill measuring less than 6.5 inches.Largemouth bass are present in Harris Lake; however, none were taken in the 2004 assessment. Largemouth bass are "net shy" and difficult to sample quantitatively with standard lake survey nets. This species is best sampled with electrofishing equipment; however, it is not feasible to get this heavy equipment to the lake. Largemouth bass up to 20 inches have been sampled in past assessments and occasionally reports are received of some quality size fish being caught by anglers.Yellow perch were sampled in relatively low numbers and most appeared to be too small to interest anglers. The largest yellow perch sampled in 2004 was 7.7 inches in length.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Black Crappie, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch in Harris. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Harris has a maximum depth of 13 feet and a mean depth of 6 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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