Birch Lake
About Birch Lake
Birch Lake is a 7,074-acre lake near Babbitt in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 90.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service, city, and county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. South Kawishiwi Campground and Birch Lake Campgound are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Birch Lake
- 7,074 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Babbitt
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service, city, and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5.7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at South Kawishiwi Campground and Birch Lake Campgound
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, city, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 7,074 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 90.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,060 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
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
- Swim beach
- Camping: South Kawishiwi Campground, Birch Lake Campgound, and Birch Lake Group Campsite
- Marina: Kinsey Houseboats Marina
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
South Kawishiwi Campground, Birch Lake Campgound, and Birch Lake Group Campsite are mapped on or near Birch 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 Birch Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely71 acres
1.2 miles away
Blueberry Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Rothman125 acres
2.5 miles away
Perch Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Babbitt100 acres
3.3 miles away
One Pine Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely354 acres
3.5 miles away
Whisper Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely46 acres
3.8 miles away
Johnson Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely456 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Babbitt. It covers 7,074 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake covers 7,074 acres with about 90.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Birch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass 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 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service, city, and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Birch Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
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.
Can you camp at Birch Lake?
Yes. South Kawishiwi Campground, Birch Lake Campgound, and Birch Lake Group Campsite are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.