Ensign
Lake County, Minnesota — DOW #38049800
24 Surveys
1,411.07
Acres
30 ft
Max Depth
9
Fish Species
8
Local Guides
DNR Fish Surveys
Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Ensign. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.
Northern Pike
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 5.2 (above normal) | 1.2 – 3.6 | 2.63 lb | 62 |
| 2023-09-11 | Standard gill nets | 3.7 (above normal) | 1.2 – 3.6 | 2.14 lb | 44 |
| 1981-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 1.2 (below normal) | 1.2 – 3.6 | 5.71 lb | 7 |
Rock Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.2 | 0.14 lb | 6 |
| 2023-09-11 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.2 | 0.29 lb | 6 |
| 1981-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 2.0 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.2 | 0.15 lb | 12 |
Walleye
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 10.3 (above normal) | 3.1 – 9.8 | 0.87 lb | 124 |
| 2023-09-11 | Standard gill nets | 12.1 (above normal) | 3.1 – 9.8 | 1.21 lb | 145 |
| 1981-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 8.2 (normal) | 3.1 – 9.8 | 1.26 lb | 49 |
Yellow Perch
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (below normal) | 1.9 – 7.1 | 0.17 lb | 6 |
| 2023-09-11 | Standard gill nets | 0.9 (below normal) | 1.9 – 7.1 | 0.26 lb | 11 |
| 1981-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 1.5 (below normal) | 1.9 – 7.1 | 0.23 lb | 9 |
White Sucker
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 5.8 (normal) | 2.8 – 6.7 | 2.11 lb | 70 |
| 2023-09-11 | Standard gill nets | 7.6 (above normal) | 2.8 – 6.7 | 2.45 lb | 91 |
| 1981-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 5.0 (normal) | 2.8 – 6.7 | 1.50 lb | 30 |
Tullibee (Cisco)
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 8.3 (normal) | 1.8 – 12.4 | 0.98 lb | 99 |
| 1981-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 43.0 (above normal) | 1.8 – 12.4 | 0.53 lb | 258 |
Largemouth Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 1.19 lb | 2 |
| 2023-09-11 | Standard gill nets | 0.4 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 1.39 lb | 5 |
Bluegill
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-07-08 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 | — | 0.12 lb | 4 |
| 2023-09-11 | Standard gill nets | 1.1 | — | 0.39 lb | 13 |
Smallmouth Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-09-11 | Standard gill nets | 1.0 (above normal) | 0.3 – 0.7 | 1.68 lb | 12 |
| 1981-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.7 | 0.30 lb | 2 |
CIS
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-09-11 | Standard gill nets | 8.3 | — | 1.27 lb | 99 |
Depth Maps & Lake Info
Map & Directions
Get DirectionsShowing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.
Nearby Bait & Tackle
Agate Bay Outfitters LLC
Two Harbors, MN
★ 4.4Boundary Waters Outfitters
Ely, MN
★ 4.9Canadian Border Outfitters
Ely, MN
★ 4.8Granite Gear Inc
Two Harbors, MN
★ 4.7North Country Canoe Outfitters
Ely, MN
★ 4.9Red Rock Wilderness Store
Ely, MN
★ 5Seagren's Home Hardware Outdoors
Two Harbors, MN
★ 4.6Veness Bait & Tackle
Two Harbors, MN
★ 3.9Nearby Marinas
Resorts & Lodges Near Ensign
Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Ensign.
Fish Species
Species known to inhabit Ensign. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Fishing Guides Near Ensign
Boreal Triangle Guide Service
(218) 830-2148
Boundary Waters Fishing Guide
(218) 235-9595
Duluth Superior Charter Fishing with Capt Paul Morris aboard Freedom II
(218) 428-5562
Ely Ice Fishing Company
(218) 365-3466
James Addiction Charter Fishing
(218) 213-8816
Muskie Doom Guide Service
(218) 491-3277
Other Lakes in Lake County
Plan Your Trip to Ensign
- Weather forecast for Ensign — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
- GPS: 48.0375°N, 91.3585°W — Get Directions
- View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
- Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us
Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.