Pokegama Lake
About Pokegama Lake
Pokegama Lake is a 6,721-acre reservoir near Grand Rapids in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 112 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 57.1 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 227 Itasca County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.1 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 6 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. OpenStreetMap shows Tioga Beach and Picnic Area and Hidden Beach on or beside the lake. Pokegama-COE and Pokegama Dam Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 69 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pokegama Lake
- 6,721 acres, up to 112 feet deep, near Grand Rapids
- 6 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 16.1 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Tioga Beach and Picnic Area)
- Camping close to the water at Pokegama-COE and Pokegama Dam Campground
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 6,721 acres
- Max depth
- 112 ft
- Shoreline
- 57.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,978 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
- 6 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Tioga Beach and Picnic Area, Hidden Beach, and Zorbaz Beach
- Camping: Pokegama-COE, Pokegama Dam Campground, and Two Rivers RV & Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 19
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 27
- Years of record
- 69
- Earliest
- March 27, 2012
- Latest
- May 17, 2013
- Most recent
- May 6, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Pokegama-COE, Pokegama Dam Campground, and Two Rivers RV & Campground are mapped on or near Pokegama 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 Pokegama Lake
Compare Pokegama Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Pokegama Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Pokegama Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Pokegama Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Pokegama Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Pokegama Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Pokegama Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Horseshoe Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids142 acres
1.5 miles away
Blandin Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids490 acres
3.5 miles away
Tioga Mine Pit
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset49 acres
3.8 miles away
Hale Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids130 acres
4 miles away
Little Jay Gould Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset150 acres
4.6 miles away
Carlson Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids188 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pokegama Lake?
Pokegama Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. It covers 6,721 acres and reaches 112 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pokegama Lake?
Pokegama Lake covers 6,721 acres with about 57.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 112 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pokegama Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pokegama Lake?
Yes. Pokegama Lake has 6 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pokegama Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Tioga Beach and Picnic Area and Hidden Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Pokegama Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pokegama Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pokegama Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Pokegama Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 69 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 27, 2012 and the latest is May 17, 2013.
Can you camp at Pokegama Lake?
Yes. Pokegama-COE, Pokegama Dam Campground, and Two Rivers RV & Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Pokegama Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Pokegama Lake as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.