Walleye lake, Northern pike lake, Bass lake, Crappie lake, Sunfish lake

Balsam Lake

Public access

Balsam Lake is a 716-acre lake in Itasca County, 37 feet at its deepest. The DNR last surveyed its fish in 2022. Recorded species include walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and crappie.

Details

DNR lake ID
31025900
County
Itasca
Surface area
716 acres
Maximum depth
37 feet
Shallow water (littoral) area
296 acres, 41% of the lake
Shoreline
10.3 miles
Average water clarity
7.4 feet (Secchi disk, 7 readings)
Latest DNR fish survey
June 2022, standard survey
Surveys on record
13, since 1966
Game fish caught in the 2022 survey
bluegill 321, black crappie 83, northern pike 74, yellow perch 56, rock bass 19, pumpkinseed 19, largemouth bass 5, walleye 1
Fish species recorded
black crappie, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, northern sunfish, pumpkinseed, rock bass, sunfish, walleye, yellow perch, and 11 other species
Balsam Lake Public Water Access Site
trailer launch, concrete slab ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces, run by DNR Division of Parks and Trails
Special regulation, Including connected Balsam, Haskell, and Scrapper lakes
Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Fish consumption
Follow the statewide guidelines; fish from this lake have been tested
Size
500 to 1,999 acres
Deepest point
30 to 59 feet
Public access
Yes

Sources

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.

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