Medicine Lake
About Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake is a 461-acre lake near Tenstrike in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 44 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 northern pike and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Medicine Lake
- 461 acres, up to 44 feet deep, near Tenstrike
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — 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 7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 461 acres
- Max depth
- 44 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 308 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
- 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 Medicine Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Sandy Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Tenstrike261 acres
3.2 miles away
Jackson Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Nebish128 acres
3.6 miles away
Gull Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Tenstrike2,256 acres
3.9 miles away
Blackduck Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Blackduck2,711 acres
5.6 miles away
Black Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River271 acres
7.5 miles away
Larson Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Puposky203 acres
7.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Tenstrike. It covers 461 acres and reaches 44 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake covers 461 acres with about 4.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 44 feet.
What fish can you catch at Medicine Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Medicine Lake?
Yes. Medicine Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Medicine Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Medicine Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Medicine Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Medicine Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". Daily limit five.