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Frequently Asked Questions About Bowen Lake, MN
- How big is Bowen Lake?
- How deep is Bowen Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Bowen Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Bowen Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Bowen Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Bowen Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Bowen Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Bowen Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Bowen Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Bowen Lake?
How big is Bowen Lake?
How deep is Bowen Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Bowen Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Cisco (Tullibee), Hybrid Sunfish, Shorthead Redhorse and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Bowen Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Bowen Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Bowen Lake?
Are there boat launches on Bowen Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Bowen Lake?
What aquatic invasive species are found in Bowen Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Bowen Lake is a 176-acre lake located about one mile southeast of Backus, Minnesota. There is a Minnesota DNR-owned public access on the south shore about 0.5 miles east of State Highway 371. The DNR has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different classes based on physical, chemical and other characteristics. Bowen Lake is in Lake Class 31. Lakes in this class are generally clear, moderately productive, and moderately deep. Other local waters in this classification include Child, Widow, and Five Point Lakes. The lake is primarily managed for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie, with secondary management species being Tullibee (Cisco), Yellow Perch, and Walleye.
Northern Pike are abundant in Bowen Lake. The average length of Northern Pike sampled in 2014 was about 21 inches; however fish up to almost 34 inches were present. Few Largemouth Bass were sampled in DNR test nets in 2014, though fish over 18 inches were found. The number of Bluegill and Black Crappie sampled was low compared to previous surveys and compared to other area lakes in this Class. The average size of Bluegill was almost 7 inches, and the average Black Crappie was just under 11 inches. The number of Walleye sampled in Bowen Lake compared favorably with other Lake Class 31 waters. Sizes ranged from 8 to 20 inches with the mean length being 13 inches. The number of Yellow Perch found in 2014 was similar to other lakes in Lake Class 31, however most fish sampled were relatively small. Tullibee (Cisco) abundance in Bowen Lake was comparable to other Lake Class 31 waters, and Tullibee from 6 to 20 inches were present. Both Yellow Perch and Tullibee provide an important food source for Northern Pike and Walleye.
Other species found in Bowen Lake in 2014 were Bowfin, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.
People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Harvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. Currently there are no aquatic invasive species (AIS) that have been identified in Bowen Lake. AIS are moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters, and lake shore owners and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local natural resource office. Additional information on all of these topics can be found on the DNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Walker Area Fisheries office.
What is the average air temp for Bowen Lake?
Are there any state parks near Bowen Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Bowen Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Lind Lake | 1.0 mi | 440 | 27 ft |
| Pine Mountain Lake | 2.2 mi | 1,612 | 80 ft |
| Sanborn Lake | 2.3 mi | 220 | 48 ft |
| Brockway Lake | 2.7 mi | 180 | 17 ft |
| Fawn Lake | 2.8 mi | 46 | 29 ft |
| Johnson Lake | 3.0 mi | 90 | 55 ft |
| Horseshoe Lake | 3.0 mi | 260 | 51 ft |
| Rainy Lake | 3.1 mi | 129 | 29 ft |
| Boot Lake | 3.4 mi | 47 | 14 ft |
| Island Lake | 3.4 mi | 93 | 14 ft |
