Kitchi Lake
About Kitchi Lake
Kitchi Lake is a 1,865-acre lake near Pennington in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Kitchi Lake
- 1,865 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Pennington
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 7.8 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,865 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 714 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
- 3 public boat launches (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
- 16
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Kitchi Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Rice Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington123 acres
1.2 miles away
Big Rice Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington642 acres
2.4 miles away
Buck Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington360 acres
3.1 miles away
Moose Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington601 acres
4.2 miles away
Pimushe Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington1,230 acres
4.4 miles away
Lost Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Andrusia130 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kitchi Lake?
Kitchi Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Pennington. It covers 1,865 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Kitchi Lake?
Kitchi Lake covers 1,865 acres with about 14.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Kitchi Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, 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 Kitchi Lake?
Yes. Kitchi Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Kitchi Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Kitchi 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 Kitchi Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Kitchi Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Kitchi Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Does Kitchi Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Kitchi Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.