Newton

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Newton Lake on August 8th, 2025. This was done to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 45.9 feet), the water temperature never decreased to 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and the dissolved oxygen concentration stayed greater than 3.0 mg/L for the entire sampled depth. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was never reached because dissolved oxygen remained above 3.0 mg/L throughout the sampled depths. In this case, the minimum temperature, 23.2 degrees C (73.8 degrees F), was substituted as TDO3. TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2007, 2018, 2024 indicated unsuitable oxythermal habitat in most years surveyed, with unfavorable conditions recored in 2018, 2024 when there was no suitable oxythermal habitat layer. When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress. Across ten fisheries surveys spanning the period of 1966-2018, Cisco catches have fluctuated and in 2024 no Ciscos were caught.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Newton Lake on August 8th, 2025. This was done to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 45.9 feet), the water temperature never decreased to 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and the dissolved oxygen concentration stayed greater than 3.0 mg/L for the entire sampled depth. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was never reached because dissolved oxygen remained above 3.0 mg/L throughout the sampled depths. In this case, the minimum temperature, 23.2 degrees C (73.8 degrees F), was substituted as TDO3. TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2007, 2018, 2024 indicated unsuitable oxythermal habitat in most years surveyed, with unfavorable conditions recored in 2018, 2024 when there was no suitable oxythermal habitat layer. When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress. Across ten fisheries surveys spanning the period of 1966-2018, Cisco catches have fluctuated and in 2024 no Ciscos were caught.

Newton Lake is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Ely within the BWCAW. Because of its proximity to nearby Fall Lake and particularly Basswood Lake, Newton is popular with anglers and wilderness enthusiasts traveling through its waters. The lake is characterized by its riverine nature and seasonal water level fluctuations are common. There is an annual sport gillnetting season in autumn on Newton Lake for cisco and lake whitefish. Spiny water fleas are present in Newton Lake and its waters are designated as infested by the DNR. Outboard motors are allowed on Newton Lake where a 25 hp maximum limit applies. The portages from Fall Lake and Pipestone Bay on Basswood Lake are wide and well used. Portage wheels are allowed there and are often used by anglers transporting motorized canoes and boats. There are two designated U.S. Forest Service campsites located on the lake for overnight use. Eight species of fish were sampled in Newton Lake during the 2018 survey. Yellow perch was the most common species sampled in the gill nets and their average size was under 8 inches. Walleye, rock bass, northern pike and several smallmouth bass were also sampled. Some larger rock and smallmouth bass were recorded. Trap net catches in 2018 resulted in a nearly identical species list as the gill net sample with the addition of black crappie. Walleye numbers in 2018 (4.7/gill net) were similar to the long term average (4.0/gill net) for this lake and similar to the average (5.3/gill net) when compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average walleye sampled was only 11.3 inches which is nearly identical to the historic average length of 11.4 inches. The largest walleye sampled measured approximately 27 inches long. Eighty-seven percent of the walleye aged were from 1 to 3 years old. Northern pike numbers in 2018 (2.0/gill net) were similar to the long term average (2.3/gill net) for Newton Lake and similar to the average (2.2/gill net) compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average pike sampled was 23.5 inches which is larger than the historic average length of 18.9 inches. The largest pike sampled in 2018 was 34 inches in length. Eleven black crappie were sampled from the trap nets in 2018. The average crappie measured a respectable 13 inches or 1.4 lbs, which is larger than the historic average length of 10.2 inches. The largest crappie sampled in 2018 was 14.2 inches long. Twelve rusty crayfish were sampled in the gill nets during the 2018 survey. Their numbers appear to be decreasing since an apparent peak during the mid-1990s.

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

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Newton. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Newton has a maximum depth of 47 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Newton is from 2018. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Yes — Newton has confirmed spiny waterflea. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

No — Newton has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide rock bass limit is: 30. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.