Balsam Lake
About Balsam Lake
Balsam Lake is a 716-acre lake near Taconite in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Balsam Lake
- 716 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Taconite
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — 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 7.4 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 716 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 296 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Balsam Lake
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Nearby Lakes
King Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite311 acres
1.3 miles away
Barwise Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell92 acres
1.7 miles away
Scrapper Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder172 acres
1.8 miles away
Sawyer Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell137 acres
3 miles away
Cutaway Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder307 acres
3.3 miles away
Burrows Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell306 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Taconite. It covers 716 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake covers 716 acres with about 10.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet.
What fish can you catch at Balsam Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Balsam Lake?
Yes. Balsam Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Balsam Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Balsam 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 Balsam Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Balsam Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Balsam Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".