Bowstring Lake

Details

DNR lake ID

31081300

County

Itasca

Surface area

9,528 acres

Maximum depth

32 feet

Shallow water (littoral) area

4,736 acres, 50% of the lake

Shoreline

34.1 miles

Average water clarity

5.3 feet (Secchi disk, 3 readings)

Nearest town (DNR)

Deer River

Latest DNR fish survey

September 2025, targeted survey

Surveys on record

29, since 1957

Fish species recorded

black crappie, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, walleye, yellow perch, and 24 other species

Bowstring Lake (NE) Public Water Access Site

trailer launch, concrete slab ramp, 1 dock, 24 trailer spaces, toilet, run by DNR Division of Parks and Trails

Bowstring Lake (S) Public Water Access Site

trailer launch, concrete slab ramp, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces, toilet, run by DNR Division of Parks and Trails

Bowstring Lake (NW) Public Water Access Site

trailer launch, concrete slab ramp, 1 dock, 7 trailer spaces, toilet, run by U.S. Forest Service

Infested waters list

faucet snail, zebra mussel

Fish consumption

Follow the statewide guidelines; fish from this lake have been tested

Size

2,000 acres or more

Deepest point

30 to 59 feet

Public access

Yes

Sources

• Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
  Checked September 24, 2026
• Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites
  Checked September 24, 2026

Survey catches show what DNR nets and electrofishing found on the survey date, not how the fishing is today. Check the current regulations and the Department of Health advice before you keep fish, and confirm access conditions before you tow a boat.