Wolf Lake
About Wolf Lake
Wolf Lake is a 1,076-acre lake near Bemidji in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 57 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 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. Special fishing regulations apply to 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) managed by the Minnesota DNR. A campground is 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. Ice typically goes out around April 25, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Wolf Lake
- 1,076 acres, up to 57 feet deep, near Bemidji
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 8.4 feet
- Camping close to the water
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,076 acres
- Max depth
- 57 ft
- Shoreline
- 8 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 390 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
- 18
- 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
- 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 25
- Years of record
- 10
- Earliest
- April 5, 2021
- Latest
- May 7, 2022
- Most recent
- April 25, 2026
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 Wolf 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 Wolf Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Wolf Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake525 acres
2.1 miles away
Midge Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Bemidji546 acres
2.5 miles away
Grace Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Bemidji860 acres
2.7 miles away
Andrusia Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Cass Lake1,596 acres
3.1 miles away
Swenson Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji412 acres
3.4 miles away
Silver Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Andrusia132 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wolf Lake?
Wolf Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. It covers 1,076 acres and reaches 57 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Wolf Lake?
Wolf Lake covers 1,076 acres with about 8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 57 feet.
What fish can you catch at Wolf Lake?
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 Wolf Lake?
Yes. Wolf Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Wolf Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Wolf 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 Wolf Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Wolf Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Wolf Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Wolf Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 25, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 5, 2021 and the latest is May 7, 2022.
Can you camp at Wolf Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Wolf Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Wolf Lake 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.