Sullivan

Sullivan Lake is a small impoundment located about 25 miles north of Two Harbors within the Superior National Forest. An earthen dam with a wooden outlet structure had maintained the water level in the lake for over a century until it was breached in 2024 due to large rainfall events. As a result, the water level in the lake dropped by several feet and the surface area of the lake was reduced to about half its historic size. There is a state forest campground with eleven primitive campsites and one accessible site available for a fee on a first-come, first-served basis. The former boat launch is no longer usable so anglers must carry equipment to the lake via one of the campsites. A fisheries survey was completed in June 2025 to monitor the status of the fish community and determine what angling opportunities exist following the dam breach. Results confirm the lake still supports fisheries for several popular gamefish species. The Northern Pike population has a nice average size and includes some larger fish that provide a quality component. Yellow Perch are abundant and have a wide size distribution that should give anglers a good chance to catch a fish. There are also some Bluegill and Pumpkinseed sunfish that reach a large enough size to be of interest to anglers. The lower water levels are likely to reshape the fish community over a longer time frame. However, results from the 2025 fisheries survey confirm Sullivan Lake still has decent angling opportunities.

Sullivan Lake has an area of 45 acres with a maximum depth of eight feet. Sullivan Lake is located 25 miles north of Two Harbors, MN. The lake contains very dark brown bog-stained water. The shoreline cover is a mix deciduous/coniferous forest and wetland marsh. Seventeen aquatic plants have been observed in the lake with muck and sand being the most abundant substrates. The entire shoreline is under public ownership and a 12 site campground administered by Split Rock State Park is located near the northeastern shore. The campground operates on a first come basis with no reservations at this time. The lake access road is about 0.25 miles west on Forest Highway 11 from the southern intersection with Lake County Highway 2. The access is a back-down earthen ramp on the northeastern end of the lake. Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Bluegill are the most common game fish in the lake. Fishing pressure is presumed to be light to moderate. The 2016 survey found the catch rate of Northern Pike to be slightly below average compared to similar lakes in northeastern Minnesota. The average length for Northern Pike was 19.4 inches with an average weight of 1.9 pounds. The largest Northern Pike measured 30.7 inches long and weighed 7.5 pounds. Seven year classes were represented in the 2016 survey and growth of Northern Pike was average when compared to other lakes in the Finland Area. The Yellow Perch catch was above average when compared to similar lakes in the area. The average length was 7.35 inches with an average weight of 0.22 pounds. The largest Yellow Perch measured was 11.9 inches long and had a weight of 0.7 pounds. Eight year classes were represented in the sample and growth of Yellow Perch was average for the Finland Area. A total of 26 Bluegills were sampled with standard trap nets and small mesh trap nets. Three Bluegills measured over 9 inches long and had weights over 1 pound. Bluegills have been stocked in Sullivan Lake four times in an attempt to establish a self-sustaining population; the last stocking was in 2005. Previous surveys found very low numbers of Bluegills. Small Bluegill were sampled in the 2016 survey indicating that there is some natural reproduction occurring in the lake. White Sucker, Blacknose Shiner, and Creek Chub were also sampled in Sullivan Lake during the 2016 survey.

Sullivan Lake has a self-sustaining northern pike population that should provide good angling in most years. The 2008 investigation recorded the average northern pike length at about 21.5 inches with an average weight of 3 pounds. The largest pike sampled in 2008 measured 30.7 inches. A good population of yellow perch was present in 2008. The average length was 8.8 inches with an 11.9-inch fish the largest sampled. The average weight was about 1/3 pound. An attempt to provide a bluegill fishery in Sullivan Lake has not succeeded. The adult bluegill stockings have not produced a self-sustaining bluegill population. Only one 9.8-inch bluegill was sampled in the 2008 investigation.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Brook Trout, and Bluegill in Sullivan. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Sullivan has a maximum depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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