EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
    We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated July 20, 1998, with respect to the balance sheet of
Great Lakes Acquisition Corp. and our report dated February 13, 1998 with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Great Lakes Carbon
Corporation, included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and the related
Prospectus of Great Lakes Acquisition Corp. for the registration of $56,600,000
13 1/8% Series B Senior Discount Debentures due 2009.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
New York, New York
July 20, 1998