Lower Balsam Lake
About Lower Balsam Lake
Lower Balsam Lake is a 259-acre lake near Taconite in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2011.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner.
Plan Your Visit to Lower Balsam Lake
- 259 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Taconite
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 259 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 4 mi
- Water clarity
- 6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 99 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
Best For
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2011
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lower Balsam Lake
Compare Lower Balsam Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Snaptail Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite175 acres
2.5 miles away
Thirty Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk121 acres
2.9 miles away
Balsam Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite716 acres
3.6 miles away
Bass Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marble131 acres
3.7 miles away
Crooked Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marble465 acres
3.8 miles away
King Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite311 acres
4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lower Balsam Lake?
Lower Balsam Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Taconite. It covers 259 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lower Balsam Lake?
Lower Balsam Lake covers 259 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lower Balsam 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 Lower Balsam Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Lower Balsam Lake.
Can you swim at Lower Balsam Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lower 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 Lower Balsam Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lower Balsam Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.