Dry

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Dry Lake on August 6th, 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 42.0 feet), the water temperature decreased to 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 11.4 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 19.3 feet at the time of sampling. This layer in the water column was 7.9 feet, indicating oxythermal habitat for Cisco was present. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 9.1 degrees C (48.4 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable 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 2024 also indicated suitable oxythermal habitat. When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Dry Lake on August 6th, 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 42.0 feet), the water temperature decreased to 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 11.4 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 19.3 feet at the time of sampling. This layer in the water column was 7.9 feet, indicating oxythermal habitat for Cisco was present. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 9.1 degrees C (48.4 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable 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 2024 also indicated suitable oxythermal habitat. When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Dry is an 82 acre designated trout lake located 3.5 miles north of Ely in the Superior National Forest. The shoreline is entirely undeveloped and publicly owned. Like most Tower area designated trout lakes, Dry is deep and clear with excellent coldwater habitat. Two portages and a winter trail connect to Dry Lake. A short portage connects Dry to Bass Lake, a 1/4 mile portage enters from High Lake, and the winter trail bypasses Dry Falls farther East down to Bass Lake. Bass Lake is accessible by portaging a motorboat from Low Lake, but Dry is more suitable for canoe travel. The USFS maintains a campsite on the northeast shore. The Dry Lake hiking trail loops around Little Dry and the north shore of Dry. There are no improved sites for shorefishing, but the lake is quite accessible from the trail in several areas. The 2023 survey consisted of two standardized gillnet sets. Ten brown Trout and ten splake were captured for a combined catch of 10 trout/net. Bluegill, cisco, and white sucker were also sampled. Brown trout abundance (5/net) was the highest on record for Dry Lake. Lengths ranged from 13 to nearly 23 inches. Fish from three years appeared to be present. Splake abundance (5/net) was tied for the highest on record. Lengths ranged from 9 to over 20 inches. Fish from three years appeared to be present as well, with larger fish dominating the catch.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Brown Trout, Splake, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout in Dry. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Dry has a maximum depth of 44 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Dry is from 2023.

No invasive species are on record for Dry in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

No — Dry has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.