Swamp River Public Water Access Site

Swamp River Public Water Access Site is a public boat launch on Swamp River Reservoir in Cook County, Minnesota.

It is owned and managed by DNR Division of Forestry.

Swamp River Public Water Access Site is a trailer boat launch with a gravel ramp.

Facilities include 1 launch lane, 2 trailer/tow-vehicle parking spaces, and restrooms on site.

The site is managed by DNR Division of Forestry.

Swamp River Reservoir is open to public fishing, boating and paddling across the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Anglers here target walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskellunge, crappie, sunfish and yellow perch.

Lake Superior and the North Shore streams hold lake trout, steelhead and salmon.

As moving water, it fishes by current — target seams, eddies, holes, bends and woody cover rather than open flats.

Swamp River Public Water Access Site is a public access point to Swamp River Reservoir for trailered boats, kayaks and canoes.

This launch sits on Swamp River Reservoir; look for other public access points, marinas and shoreline fishing spots along the same water, and check the Minnesota DNR for the full list of access sites nearby.

River current, woody snags, shifting sandbars and changing water levels are the main hazards. Respect the current, scout unfamiliar stretches, give way to any commercial traffic, and never anchor from the stern in a strong flow.

Carry U.S. Coast Guard–required safety gear, wear your life jacket, file a float plan for longer trips, and remember that spring and fall water is cold enough to cause hypothermia quickly.

A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Follow the Minnesota DNR's seasons, size and creel limits, which vary by water and species.

Clean, Drain and Dry: remove all aquatic plants and animals, drain every compartment, and never move live fish or bait between waters — this is how invasive species like zebra mussels and invasive carp spread.

Observe posted launch rules, no-wake and idle zones near the ramp, and any local watercraft controls.

Stage your gear before backing down to keep the lanes moving, especially on busy mornings. Check the ramp depth for your boat's draft, and rig the trailer lights to handle a dunk.

Arrive early on summer weekends for parking, and have a plan for wind direction before you launch on open water.