Movil Lake
About Movil Lake
Movil Lake is an 855-acre lake near Bemidji in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth 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 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 (concrete surface). Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 42 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Movil Lake
- 855 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Bemidji
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 855 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 513 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
- 20
- Game fish
- 11
- 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 22-30" must be immediately released. Possession limit 10, only one over 30".
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 42
- Earliest
- March 25, 2012
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- April 1, 2021
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Movil Lake
Compare Movil Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Movil Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Movil Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Movil Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Movil Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Fox Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Werner165 acres
1.6 miles away
Turtle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji1,607 acres
2 miles away
Beltrami Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji726 acres
2.2 miles away
Three Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River729 acres
3.4 miles away
Black Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River271 acres
3.6 miles away
Little Turtle Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Puposky469 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Movil Lake?
Movil Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. It covers 855 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Movil Lake?
Movil Lake covers 855 acres with about 9.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Movil Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Movil Lake?
Yes. Movil Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Movil Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Movil 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 Movil Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Movil Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Movil Lake?
Yes. All from 22-30" must be immediately released. Possession limit 10, only one over 30". Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Movil Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 42 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 25, 2012 and the latest is May 14, 2013.