Bad Axe Lake
About Bad Axe Lake
Bad Axe Lake is a 303-acre lake near Emmaville in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 19 feet, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2010.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner. Camp Wilderness is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 58 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bad Axe Lake
- 303 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Emmaville
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Camping close to the water at Camp Wilderness
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 303 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Average depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 125 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
- Camping: Camp Wilderness
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2010
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
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
- 58
- Earliest
- March 19, 2024
- Latest
- May 13, 2014
- Most recent
- March 19, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Camp Wilderness is mapped on or near Bad Axe 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 Bad Axe Lake
Compare Bad Axe Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Mantrap Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Emmaville1,618 acres
1.7 miles away
Stocking Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids102 acres
2.5 miles away
Upper Bottle Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset459 acres
3.1 miles away
Skunk Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids218 acres
3.2 miles away
Pickerel Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids310 acres
3.7 miles away
Lower Bottle Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset641 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bad Axe Lake?
Bad Axe Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Emmaville. It covers 303 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bad Axe Lake?
Bad Axe Lake covers 303 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet and its average depth is about 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bad Axe Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Bad Axe Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Bad Axe Lake.
Can you swim at Bad Axe Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bad Axe 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 Bad Axe Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Bad Axe Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Bad Axe Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 58 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 19, 2024 and the latest is May 13, 2014.
Can you camp at Bad Axe Lake?
Yes. Camp Wilderness is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Bad Axe Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Bad Axe Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.