North Twin Lake
About North Twin Lake
North Twin Lake is a 326-acre lake near Turtle River in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 59 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 24, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to North Twin Lake
- 326 acres, up to 59 feet deep, near Turtle River
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- 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 12.3 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 326 acres
- Max depth
- 59 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 138 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)
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 9
- 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".
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
- 7
- Earliest
- April 9, 2017
- Latest
- May 9, 1996
- Most recent
- May 8, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
1 campground is mapped on or near North Twin Lake. 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 North Twin Lake
Compare North Twin Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how North Twin Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
South Twin Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji222 acres
0.8 miles away
Gull Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Tenstrike138 acres
2 miles away
Meadow Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River106 acres
3 miles away
Pimushe Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Pennington1,230 acres
3.9 miles away
Webster Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Blackduck47 acres
4.2 miles away
Rabideau Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Blackduck680 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North Twin Lake?
North Twin Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Turtle River. It covers 326 acres and reaches 59 feet deep.
How big and how deep is North Twin Lake?
North Twin Lake covers 326 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 59 feet.
What fish can you catch at North Twin Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 North Twin Lake?
Yes. North Twin Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at North Twin Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at North Twin 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 North Twin Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for North Twin Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on North Twin Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
When does the ice go out on North Twin Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 24, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 9, 2017 and the latest is May 9, 1996.
Can you camp at North Twin Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.