Lake Bemidji
About Lake Bemidji
Lake Bemidji is a 6,596-acre lake near Lavinia (Beltrami) in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 76 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 34 feet, and has roughly 14.7 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 62 Beltrami County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There are 6 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city, Minnesota DNR, and township. OpenStreetMap shows Diamond Point Beach and South Shore Beach on or beside the lake. Bass Creek and Lake Bemidji State Park Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Bemidji
- 6,596 acres, up to 76 feet deep, near Lavinia (Beltrami)
- 6 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city, Minnesota DNR, and township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 7.2 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Diamond Point Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Bass Creek and Lake Bemidji State Park Campground
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, Minnesota DNR, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 6,596 acres
- Max depth
- 76 ft
- Average depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,862 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
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Diamond Point Beach and South Shore Beach
- Camping: Bass Creek, Lake Bemidji State Park Campground, and Lavinia
- Fishing pier
- Marina
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Bass Creek, Lake Bemidji State Park Campground, and Lavinia are mapped on or near Lake Bemidji. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Bemidji
Compare Lake Bemidji against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Lake Bemidji ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Bemidji ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Lake Bemidji ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Bemidji ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Irving
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji662 acres
3.4 miles away
Big Bass Lake (East Basin)
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Lavinia (Beltrami)337 acres
3.6 miles away
Little Bass Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Lavinia (Beltrami)363 acres
3.7 miles away
Stump Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji323 acres
4.6 miles away
Marquette Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji528 acres
5.8 miles away
Movil Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji855 acres
6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Bemidji?
Lake Bemidji is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Lavinia (Beltrami). It covers 6,596 acres and reaches 76 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Bemidji?
Lake Bemidji covers 6,596 acres with about 14.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 76 feet and its average depth is about 34 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Bemidji?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Bemidji?
Yes. Lake Bemidji has 6 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city, Minnesota DNR, and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Bemidji?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Diamond Point Beach and South Shore Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Bemidji stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Bemidji; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Lake Bemidji?
Yes. Bass Creek, Lake Bemidji State Park Campground, and Lavinia are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Bemidji have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Bemidji as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.