Balm Lake
About Balm Lake
Balm Lake is a 537-acre lake near Solway in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 largemouth and smallmouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Balm Lake
- 537 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Solway
- 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 537 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 282 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
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- April 14, 2005
- Latest
- May 3, 2008
- Most recent
- April 15, 2015
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Balm Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Dellwater Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji199 acres
1.4 miles away
Moose Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Debs132 acres
2 miles away
Sylvia Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Debs181 acres
3.1 miles away
Myrtle Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Debs118 acres
3.3 miles away
Island Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Island Lake424 acres
4 miles away
Clearwater Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Leonard999 acres
5.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Balm Lake?
Balm Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Solway. It covers 537 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Balm Lake?
Balm Lake covers 537 acres with about 6.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet.
What fish can you catch at Balm Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, 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 Balm Lake?
Yes. Balm Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Balm Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Balm 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 Balm Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Balm Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Balm Lake?
Yes. All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Balm Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 14, 2005 and the latest is May 3, 2008.