Bowstring Lake
About Bowstring Lake
Bowstring Lake is a 9,528-acre lake near Deer River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 34.1 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Itasca County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. The lake is listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Bowstring Lake
- 9,528 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Deer River
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 5.3 feet
- Listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 9,528 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Shoreline
- 34.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 4,736 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
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 17
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bowstring Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Portage Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Inger715 acres
4.1 miles away
Little Jessie Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River628 acres
4.7 miles away
Jessie Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Talmoon1,740 acres
5.7 miles away
Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River619 acres
5.7 miles away
Rush Island Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Talmoon297 acres
6.4 miles away
Little Spring Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Talmoon136 acres
6.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bowstring Lake?
Bowstring Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. It covers 9,528 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bowstring Lake?
Bowstring Lake covers 9,528 acres with about 34.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bowstring Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bowstring Lake?
Yes. Bowstring Lake has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Bowstring Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bowstring 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 Bowstring Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Bowstring Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Bowstring Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Bowstring Lake as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.