Little Birch Lake
About Little Birch Lake
Little Birch Lake is an 839-acre lake near Grey Eagle in Todd County, Minnesota. It reaches 89 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Birch Lakes State Forest Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Little Birch Lake
- 839 acres, up to 89 feet deep, near Grey Eagle
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — 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 11.3 feet
- Camping close to the water at Birch Lakes State Forest Campground
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 839 acres
- Max depth
- 89 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 277 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)
- Camping: Birch Lakes State Forest Campground
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
- 20
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 15
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- March 22, 2016
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 24, 2019
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Birch Lakes State Forest Campground is mapped on or near Little 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 Little Birch Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Sylvia Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Ward Springs85 acres
1.7 miles away
Big Birch Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle2,107 acres
1.9 miles away
Bass Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle94 acres
4.1 miles away
Trace Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle253 acres
4.2 miles away
Long Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Spaulding230 acres
4.8 miles away
Twin Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle121 acres
5.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Birch Lake?
Little Birch Lake is in Todd County, Minnesota, near Grey Eagle. It covers 839 acres and reaches 89 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Birch Lake?
Little Birch Lake covers 839 acres with about 8.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 89 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Birch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Birch Lake?
Yes. Little Birch Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Birch Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little 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 Little Birch Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little Birch Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Little Birch Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 22, 2016 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Can you camp at Little Birch Lake?
Yes. Birch Lakes State Forest Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Little Birch Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Little Birch Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.