Owen Lake
About Owen Lake
Owen Lake is a 268-acre lake near Bigfork in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.3 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 9 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 2018.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Owen Lake Campground and Day-Use Area is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 25, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Owen Lake
- 268 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Bigfork
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 11.5 feet
- Camping close to the water at Owen Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 268 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 187 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)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Owen Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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 25
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 31, 2010
- Latest
- May 5, 2023
- Most recent
- May 5, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Owen Lake Campground and Day-Use Area is mapped on or near Owen 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 Owen Lake
Compare Owen Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Owen Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Owen Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Walters Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork127 acres
1 miles away
Lost Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork89 acres
1.2 miles away
Napoleon Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo138 acres
1.3 miles away
Otter Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo117 acres
1.9 miles away
Raddison Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork204 acres
2.1 miles away
Bartlet Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork119 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Owen Lake?
Owen Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. It covers 268 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Owen Lake?
Owen Lake covers 268 acres with about 7.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet.
What fish can you catch at Owen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Owen Lake?
Yes. Owen Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Owen Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Owen 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 Owen Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Owen Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Owen Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 25, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2010 and the latest is May 5, 2023.
Can you camp at Owen Lake?
Yes. Owen Lake Campground and Day-Use Area is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.