Blandin Lake
About Blandin Lake
Blandin Lake is a 490-acre lake near Grand Rapids in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. OpenStreetMap shows Blandin Beach on or beside the lake. Itasca County Fairgrouds Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Blandin Lake
- 490 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Grand Rapids
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 11.5 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Blandin Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Itasca County Fairgrouds Campground
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 490 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 366 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Blandin Beach
- Camping: Itasca County Fairgrouds Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Itasca County Fairgrouds Campground is mapped on or near Blandin 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 Blandin Lake
Compare Blandin Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Blandin Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Blandin Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Blandin Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Blandin Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Blandin Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Blandin Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Hale Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids130 acres
0.8 miles away
McKinney Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids106 acres
1.7 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids142 acres
2 miles away
Little Jay Gould Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset150 acres
2.5 miles away
Tioga Mine Pit
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset49 acres
2.9 miles away
Pokegama Lake
86 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids6,721 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Blandin Lake?
Blandin Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. It covers 490 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Blandin Lake?
Blandin Lake covers 490 acres with about 12.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 feet.
What fish can you catch at Blandin 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 Blandin Lake?
Yes. Blandin Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Blandin Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Blandin Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Blandin Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Blandin Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Blandin Lake?
Yes. Itasca County Fairgrouds Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Blandin Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Blandin Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.