Meat

St. Louis County

Near Ely

DOW: 69030500

Northern PikeGood · 52Yellow PerchAverage · 27

A 14-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 2013.

Fish Species (2)

Northern Pike

Good · 52

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2013

Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution

Avg Size

20.2"

Avg Weight

1.71 lbs

Catch rate: 6.5 per gill net · typical 3.9–9.4 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike15% keeper-size (24"+)

14–23" · 85%Largest sampled 25"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 24, 2013	6.50	20.2"	1.71 lbs	Standard gill nets

Yellow Perch

Average · 27

Typical numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2013

Last surveyed 2013 — treat with caution

Avg Size

6.0"

Avg Weight

0.11 lbs

Catch rate: 7.0 per gill net · typical 2–23 for a lake like this

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

5–8" · 100%Largest sampled 8"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 24, 2013	7.00	6.0"	0.11 lbs	Standard gill nets

Biologist Notes

June 24, 2013Meat Lake is located approximately 12 miles NW of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. It has a surface area of 25 acres and a maximum depth of 23 ft…

Meat Lake is located approximately 12 miles NW of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. It has a surface area of 25 acres and a maximum depth of 23 ft. In recent years the water level has been low with very little fluctation. There is no outlet present. The shoreline is primarily gravel and rubble with little vegetative cover. The current fish community is represented by northern pike and yellow perch. Access is by portaging from Sprite Lake (90 rods) or Clark Lake (48 rods). There is one designated USFS campsite present. Northern pike numbers in 2013 (6.5/gill net) were slightly higher compared to similar lakes in the area. Pike growth rates were slow by area standards and the average pike sampled was 20.6 inches long and about 6 or 7 years old. The largest pike sampled was 25 inches long. Yellow perch numbers in 2013 (7.0/gill net) were comparable to similar lakes in the area. The average perch sampled was 6.6 inches and the largest sampled was 8.0 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Meat?

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

Is there public access at Meat?

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

How deep is Meat?

Meat has a maximum depth of 24 feet and a mean depth of 4 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Meat last surveyed?

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