Ball Bluff Lake
About Ball Bluff Lake
Ball Bluff Lake is a 169-acre lake near Jacobson in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 25 feet, and has roughly 2.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.4 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Ball Bluff Lake
- 169 acres, up to 78 feet deep, near Jacobson
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 15.4 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 169 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Average depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 32 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Ball Bluff Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Blackface Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Ball Bluff192 acres
1.6 miles away
Vanduse Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson240 acres
3.5 miles away
Hay Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson129 acres
3.6 miles away
Cutaway Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Balsam113 acres
6 miles away
Wakefield Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson164 acres
6.2 miles away
Savanna Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor101 acres
7.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ball Bluff Lake?
Ball Bluff Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson. It covers 169 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ball Bluff Lake?
Ball Bluff Lake covers 169 acres with about 2.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet and its average depth is about 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ball Bluff Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ball Bluff Lake?
Yes. Ball Bluff Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ball Bluff Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ball Bluff Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Ball Bluff Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Ball Bluff Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.