Bluewater Lake
About Bluewater Lake
Bluewater Lake is a 364-acre lake near Grand Rapids in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 120 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bluewater Lake
- 364 acres, up to 120 feet deep, near Grand Rapids
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 17.5 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 364 acres
- Max depth
- 120 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 72 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 23
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- April 15, 2015
- Latest
- May 7, 2022
- Most recent
- May 7, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bluewater Lake
Compare Bluewater Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Wabana Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids2,221 acres
1.4 miles away
Pughole Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids158 acres
1.7 miles away
Johnson Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids434 acres
2.3 miles away
Hill Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids46 acres
2.9 miles away
Trout Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids1,743 acres
2.9 miles away
Long Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi46 acres
2.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bluewater Lake?
Bluewater Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. It covers 364 acres and reaches 120 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bluewater Lake?
Bluewater Lake covers 364 acres with about 4.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 120 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bluewater Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Trout and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bluewater Lake?
Yes. Bluewater Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Bluewater Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bluewater 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 Bluewater Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Bluewater Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Bluewater Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 15, 2015 and the latest is May 7, 2022.