Balm Lake

How big is Balm Lake?

How deep is Balm Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Balm Lake?

What are the closest cities to Balm Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Balm Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Balm Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Balm Lake

Are there boat launches on Balm Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Balm Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Balm Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Balm Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Balm Lake is a 512-acre lake with a maximum depth of 33 feet located 15 miles north of Solway in western Beltrami County. There is a public water access located on the north shore of the lake off of CSAH 32 with parking for ten trucks/trailers. Most of the lakeshore is in private ownership with the exception of the public access site and a 153-acre State Aquatic Management Area. Water quality measurements taken in July of 2013 showed good oxygen levels for fish down to a depth of 21 feet, with a Secchi disc reading of 11.6 feet (clear water). Balm Lake is managed primarily for bluegill, with walleye and largemouth bass managed as secondary species. A special regulation is in effect for largemouth bass (12 to 20-inch protected slot with 1 over 20 inches allowed in possession). Balm Lake contains abundant aquatic vegetation and diverse fish habitat. The 2013 bluegill catch rate of 43.44 fish per trap net (43.44/TN) was just above the range typically found in Lake Class 25 (5.6/TN to 42.3/TN). The catch rate for bluegill in gill nets was also high (62.7 fish per gill net [62.7/GN]). Gill nets sampled a higher proportion of quality-size fish than trap nets, with 13% of the catch exceeding eight inches in length. Bluegill up to 9.6 inches in length were captured, with an average size of 5.9 inches. Balm Lake is intensively stocked with walleye fingerlings on alternate years. The 2013 walleye catch rate of 23.2/GN far exceeds the typical Lake Class 25 range (1.25/GN to 5.5/GN). Walleye up to 26.4 inches in length were captured, with an average size of 14.2 inches and 1.04 pounds, which translates to an abundance of "eater" size walleye in the population. Age-2 walleye from the 2011 stocking comprised 46% of the sample; these fish should reach 14 inches in length by the summer of 2015 and provide good angling opportunity in the near future. Catch rates for largemouth bass far exceeded the Lake Class 25 range for both gear types indicating an abundant bass population. Largemouth bass up to 17.2 inches in length were captured during the 2013 fish population assessment. Twenty-one percent of largemouth bass captured were greater than fourteen inches in length. The 2013 northern pike catch rate of 3.33/GN is within the typical range for Lake Class 25 (3.13/GN to 8.5/GN). Northern pike up to 33.6 inches in length were captured during the assessment, with an average size of 25.6 inches and 3.94 lbs. Black crappie were present in good numbers with fish up to 11.6 inches in length captured.

What is the average air temp for Balm Lake?

Are there any state parks near Balm Lake?