There are numerous legacy mine pit lakes across northeastern Minnesota. All of them are former iron mines that naturally filled with water over time. The mine pit lakes at one time produced iron ore, which was turned into steel that helped build America. The bodies of water are deep, clear, cool and clean.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), began stocking the open mine pit lakes in 1984 as part of its mineland reclamation work. The DNR advises the agency on what mine pit lakes to stock and preferred quantities of fish.

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