Wolf Lake

How big is Wolf Lake?

How deep is Wolf Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Wolf Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Wolf 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 Wolf Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Big Wolf Lake

Are there boat launches on Wolf Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Wolf Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Wolf Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Wolf 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?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Wolf Lake?

Wolf Lake, known locally as Big Wolf, is one of several connected lakes joined via the Mississippi and Turtle Rivers that comprise the Cass Lake chain of lakes. It is a 1,094 acre lake with a 57 foot maximum depth. Big Wolf supports a moderate amount of residential development along its lakeshore, including several resorts. Wolf Lake is located in southeastern Beltrami County approximately 10 miles east of Bemidji. There is a DNR owned public access on the west side of the lake, just off of County Road 25.

Water levels in this system are affected by dam operations on the Mississippi River, both upstream and downstream of Wolf Lake. Water level fluctuations can affect growth of emergent and submerged vegetation as well as availability of potential spawning habitat. In addition, fish populations in these connected waters are frequently influenced by fish movement between lakes. Primary fish species in Big Wolf Lake are walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. Other important species inhabiting the system include muskellunge, black crappie, tullibee (cisco), and white sucker. Walleye is the main species of management interest.

Wolf Lake is very scenic and is a popular destination among early season walleye anglers. This is because the section of the Mississippi River upstream from Big Wolf Lake is known to be an important walleye spawning area. Since spawning is usually completed shortly before the season opener, walleyes are often working their way back to the main lakes in the chain and feeding along the way.

Big Wolf is connected to Lake Andrusia which is a source of walleye brood stock for the Big Lake Creek spawn taking station. Under DNR policy, ten percent of the annual walleye egg take is returned to the source water as fry. Due to substantial movement of fish throughout the Cass Lake Chain, any stocking or natural reproduction should be viewed in the context of the entire connected system of lakes.

Walleye abundance in 2009 increased substantially from the 1999 assessment, as indicated by the all-time high gill net catch rate of 15.7 fish/net. Catch rates from both of those assessments are greater than what is typically expected for this lake type. Walleye ranged in length from 7 to 22 inches and were composed of nine different year classes. The 2007 year class (age 2) was dominant, comprising 43% of the sample.

In 2009, northern pike abundance in Wolf Lake was at average levels. Captured pike displayed a wide range of lengths from 12 inches to nearly 34 inches. There were six different year classes represented in the sample; however, 82% were from the 2006 and 2007 year classes. Northern pike growth rates are above average in Wolf Lake. At age-3, an average Big Wolf Lake pike is 20.5 inches long, whereas the average length for this lake type in the Bemidji area is 18.6 inches.

Muskellunge have never been documented on Big Wolf during any population assessment but are known to be present due to the lakes connection to other waters with documented populations. Anglers should remember that muskellunge harvest restrictions on Wolf Lake fall under the statewide 48 inch minimum length regulation.

Yellow perch abundance has remained very stable over the years, but the fish are not typically large enough for Big Wolf to be known as an outstanding perch fishing lake. In 2009, only eight percent of yellow perch in the sample were greater than eight inches long. Black crappie abundance as determined from experimental gill nets was better than average for the lake type. Crappie ranged in length from 8 to 13 inches with a mean length of approximately 11 inches. Sixty-nine percent of crappie in the sample was from the 2005 year class (age 4).

Development pressure is increasing around the shorelines and within the watersheds of many Minnesota lakes. This development can degrade water quality and impact valuable shoreline habitat. Native shoreline vegetation provides habitat for fish and wildlife, filters harmful nutrients, and protects against shoreline erosion. Lakeshore owners can minimize their impact on the shoreline and maintain a more natural setting while actually decreasing annual maintenance. For more information on how to accomplish this, contact the nearest Area Fisheries office or go to the following website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/shorelandmgmt

What is the average air temp for Wolf Lake?

Are there any state parks near Wolf Lake?