The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Alton Lake
Cook County, Minnesota · about 900 acres (1.4 sq mi)
34°F water, calm this morning.
About Alton Lake
In Cook County, Minnesota, Alton Lake covers about 900 acres.
It stretches about 2.9 miles end to end with roughly 8.6 miles of shoreline. At about 1,800 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Grand Marais, is about 27 miles east.
- Size
- About 900 acres (1.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 8.6 miles
- End to end
- About 2.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,800 ft
- County
- Cook County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 2:45 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like Alton Lake in Minnesota usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 34°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:07 am · sunset 4:28 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Alton Lake
- Grand Maraisabout 27 mi east
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Questions about Alton Lake
What fish are in Alton Lake?
Lakes like Alton Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Alton Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Alton Lake?
About 900 acres, with about 8.6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Alton Lake?
Grand Marais is about 27 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Alton Lake today?
The surface was about 34°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Alton Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
