Birch Lake
About Birch Lake
Birch Lake is a 100-acre lake near Monticello in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 52 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 16 feet, and has roughly 2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2009.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 31 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Birch Lake
- 100 acres, up to 52 feet deep, near Monticello
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 11 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 100 acres
- Max depth
- 52 ft
- Average depth
- 16 ft
- Shoreline
- 2 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 37 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)
- 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
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2009
- 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 6
- Years of record
- 31
- Earliest
- March 14, 2000
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- March 31, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Birch Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Ida
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Silver Creek (Wright)226 acres
1.2 miles away
Bertram Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Monticello111 acres
1.5 miles away
Eagle Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Maple Lake191 acres
1.7 miles away
Cedar Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Monticello206 acres
2.2 miles away
Millstone Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Silver Creek (Wright)200 acres
5.4 miles away
Constance Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo175 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Monticello. It covers 100 acres and reaches 52 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Birch Lake?
Birch Lake covers 100 acres with about 2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 52 feet and its average depth is about 16 feet.
What fish can you catch at Birch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Minnesota DNR. 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.
When does the ice go out on Birch Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 31 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2000 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
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.