Helen Lake
About Helen Lake
Helen Lake is a 158-acre lake near Bengal in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2011.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Helen Lake
- 158 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Bengal
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 158 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 85 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 (gravel or earth)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2011
- 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 Helen Lake
Compare Helen Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Little Island Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bengal119 acres
0.8 miles away
Beauty Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Goodland216 acres
1.6 miles away
Coon Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Bengal101 acres
2.2 miles away
Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Goodland222 acres
2.8 miles away
Janette Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Goodland133 acres
2.8 miles away
Hart Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Pengilly328 acres
3.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Helen Lake?
Helen Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bengal. It covers 158 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Helen Lake?
Helen Lake covers 158 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Helen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Helen Lake?
Yes. Helen Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Helen Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Helen 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 Helen Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Helen Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.