Birch Lake
About Birch Lake
Birch Lake is a 160-acre lake near Big Lake in Sherburne County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2019.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the township. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Birch Lake
- 160 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Big Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 7 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 160 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 117 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 (concrete)
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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2019
- 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 Birch Lake
Compare Birch Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Birch Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Birch Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Birch Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Birch Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Ann
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Orrock183 acres
3.4 miles away
Eagle Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake462 acres
3.8 miles away
Mitchell Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake170 acres
4.7 miles away
Big Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake254 acres
4.9 miles away
Orono Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Elk River301 acres
5.7 miles away
Fremont Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Zimmerman493 acres
7.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake is in Sherburne County, Minnesota, near Big Lake. It covers 160 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake covers 160 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Birch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Birch Lake?
Yes. Birch Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Birch Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Birch 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 Birch Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Birch Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Birch Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Birch Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.