Lake Irving
About Lake Irving
Lake Irving is a 662-acre lake near Bemidji in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 19 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.4 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Silver Maple Campsite is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 24, based on 21 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Irving
- 662 acres, up to 19 feet deep, near Bemidji
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Silver Maple Campsite
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 662 acres
- Max depth
- 19 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 546 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)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Silver Maple Campsite
- Fishing pier
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Shore fishing from a pier
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 20
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 24
- Years of record
- 21
- Earliest
- April 3, 2021
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 23, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Silver Maple Campsite is mapped on or near Lake Irving. 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 Irving
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Nearby Lakes
Marquette Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji528 acres
2.4 miles away
Lake Bemidji
82 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Lavinia (Beltrami)6,596 acres
3.4 miles away
Lake Plantagenet
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Nary2,531 acres
5.3 miles away
Bootleg Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Wilton (Beltrami)332 acres
5.8 miles away
Grant Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Wilton (Beltrami)214 acres
6.1 miles away
Newman Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Bemidji45 acres
6.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Irving?
Lake Irving is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. It covers 662 acres and reaches 19 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Irving?
Lake Irving covers 662 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 19 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Irving?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Irving?
Yes. Lake Irving has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Irving?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Irving stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lake Irving; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Lake Irving?
The median ice-out date is April 24, from 21 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 3, 2021 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Can you camp at Lake Irving?
Yes. Silver Maple Campsite is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Irving have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Irving 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.