Glacier Lake
About Glacier Lake
Glacier Lake is a 135-acre lake near Balsam in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner.
Plan Your Visit to Glacier Lake
- 135 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Balsam
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 135 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 59 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Glacier Lake
Compare Glacier Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Remote Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor134 acres
2.3 miles away
Aitkin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Libby659 acres
3.3 miles away
Big Sandy Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor6,125 acres
3.5 miles away
Wakefield Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson164 acres
4 miles away
Island Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Tamarack244 acres
4.2 miles away
Savanna Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor101 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Glacier Lake?
Glacier Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Balsam. It covers 135 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Glacier Lake?
Glacier Lake covers 135 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet.
What fish can you catch at Glacier Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Glacier Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Glacier Lake.
Can you swim at Glacier Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Glacier 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 Glacier Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Glacier Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.