Boulder
A 63-acre lake near Burntside Lake in St. Louis County — best known for bass and panfish. Last surveyed 2013.
Fish Species (6)
Largemouth Bass
Large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2013
Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 0.3–1.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 2013 | 0.33 | 14.0" | 1.74 lbs |
Bluegill
Large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2013
Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 3.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 2013 | 3.00 | 8.8" | 0.64 lbs |
Walleye
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2013
Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 0.8–3.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 2013 | 0.33 | 22.0" | 3.97 lbs |
Yellow Perch
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2013
Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 0.5–7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 2013 | 0.33 | 6.0" | 0.10 lbs |
Northern Pike
Typical numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2013
Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 3.7 per gill net · typical 1.3–5.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 2013 | 3.67 | 20.4" | 1.64 lbs |
| Jul 12, 1979 | 9.00 | - | 1.39 lbs |
Other species in this lake (1)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
White Sucker
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2013
Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.67 per gill net · typical 1.2–4.9 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 2013 | 0.67 | 17.5" | 3.20 lbs |
| Jul 12, 1979 | 2.50 | - | 1.60 lbs |
Biologist Notes
July 15, 2013Boulder Lake is located approximately 12 miles NW of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. It has a surface area of 68 acres and a maximum depth of 41…
Boulder Lake is located approximately 12 miles NW of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. It has a surface area of 68 acres and a maximum depth of 41 feet. The water is brown and bog stained. Dissolved oxygen was adequate to a depth of 27 feet. Access is by portage from Phantom Lake (38 rods). There is one designated USFS campsite located on the NW end of the island. Northern pike numbers in 2013 (3.7/gill net) were slightly above average compared to other area pike lakes. The average pike sampled was 20.8 inches long and about 6 years old. The largest pike sampled was 23.9 inches long. Several large bluegill up to 9.3 inches long were sampled. One 22 inch walleye was sampled and found to be 14 years old. Walleye were last stocked in 1979. Low numbers of largemouth bass, yellow perch and white sucker are also present.
July 12, 1979Consists of a high population of northern pike and an average population of yellow perch.
Consists of a high population of northern pike and an average population of yellow perch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Boulder?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike in Boulder. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Boulder?
Minnesota DNR records list public access for Boulder. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.
How deep is Boulder?
Boulder has a maximum depth of 51 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Boulder last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Boulder is from 2013. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Boulder have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Boulder in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 63.41 acres
- Max Depth
- 51 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.89 mi
- Public Access
- Yes