Bad Medicine Lake
About Bad Medicine Lake
Bad Medicine Lake is an 803-acre lake near Ponsford in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 84 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 21.1 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to stream trout, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface). Ice typically goes out around April 22, based on 53 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bad Medicine Lake
- 803 acres, up to 84 feet deep, near Ponsford
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 21.1 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 803 acres
- Max depth
- 84 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 21.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 288 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
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
- 13
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Stream Trout: Winter fishing for stream trout is not allowed.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 22
- Years of record
- 53
- Earliest
- April 6, 2021
- Latest
- May 11, 1979
- Most recent
- April 21, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bad Medicine Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford204 acres
1.5 miles away
Juggler Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford428 acres
2.9 miles away
Pickerel Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Lake Itasca143 acres
3.5 miles away
Long Lost Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Zerkel539 acres
4.9 miles away
Pike Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Elbow Lake Village124 acres
6.1 miles away
Elbow Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Waubun995 acres
6.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bad Medicine Lake?
Bad Medicine Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Ponsford. It covers 803 acres and reaches 84 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bad Medicine Lake?
Bad Medicine Lake covers 803 acres with about 12.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 84 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bad Medicine Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bad Medicine Lake?
Yes. Bad Medicine Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Bad Medicine Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bad Medicine 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 Bad Medicine Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Bad Medicine Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bad Medicine Lake?
Yes. Winter fishing for stream trout is not allowed.
When does the ice go out on Bad Medicine Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 22, from 53 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 6, 2021 and the latest is May 11, 1979.