Phantom

St. Louis County

Near Ely

DOW: 69030300

Northern PikeAverage · 34Yellow PerchPoor · 11

A 47-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 2013.

Fish Species (3)

Northern Pike

Average · 34

Above-normal numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2013

Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution

Avg Size

17.6"

Avg Weight

1.12 lbs

Catch rate: 20.3 per gill net · typical 3–9 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike0% keeper-size (24"+)

14–23" · 100%Largest sampled 20"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 16, 2013	20.33	17.6"	1.12 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 12, 1978	1.33	-	1.12 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jun 12, 1978	14.67	-	1.12 lbs	Standard gill nets

Yellow Perch

Poor · 11

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2013

Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution

Avg Size

5.6"

Avg Weight

0.09 lbs

Catch rate: 1.7 per gill net · typical 3.3–18.3 for a lake like this

Size of catchable yellow perch0% keeper-size (9"+)

5–8" · 100%Largest sampled 6"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 16, 2013	1.67	5.6"	0.09 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 12, 1978	3.33	-	0.11 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 12, 1978	1.00	-	0.12 lbs	Standard trap nets

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

Average · 38

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2013

Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution

Avg Size

20.0"

Avg Weight

3.31 lbs

Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 5.3–22.1 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 16, 2013	0.33	20.0"	3.31 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 12, 1978	15.67	-	2.53 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 12, 1978	4.33	-	2.58 lbs	Standard trap nets

Biologist Notes

July 16, 2013Phantom Lake is located approximately 12 miles NW of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. It has a surface area of 52 acres and a maximum depth of 11…

Phantom Lake is located approximately 12 miles NW of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. It has a surface area of 52 acres and a maximum depth of 11 feet. Dissolved oxygen is adequate to 8 feet and the water clarity is poor with very bog stained water. The shoreline is primarily forested with jack pine and black spruce. There are some areas of sand or moss covered ledgerock. Several small bogs can also be found surrrounding the lake. Aquatic plants are common especially on the west end and could be a nuisance to anglers. Access is by portage from Boulder Lake (38 rods), Battle Lake (32 rods) or Sprite Lake (24 rods). There is one designated USFS campsite present. Fish populations in 2013 were dominated by small, slow growing northern pike. Yellow perch and white sucker are also present in low numbers. Northern pike numbers in 2013 (20.3/gill net) were much higher than average when compared to other area pike lakes. The average pike sampled was 18.1 inches long and about 6 years old. The largest pike sampled was only 20.2 inches long.

June 12, 1978Consists of large populations of northern pike and suckers. Yellow perch are present in relatively low numbers.

Consists of large populations of northern pike and suckers. Yellow perch are present in relatively low numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Phantom?

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

Is there public access at Phantom?

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

How deep is Phantom?

Phantom has a maximum depth of 10 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Phantom last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Phantom is from 2013. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.