Birch Lake

How big is Birch Lake?

How deep is Birch Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Birch Lake?

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

Birch Lake East

Birch Lake West

Are there boat launches on Birch Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Birch Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Birch Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Birch 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?

Birch Lake is a 7,074-acre lake located between Ely and Babbit in northeast Minnesota. The lake is one of the more heavily fished lakes of the Tower Fisheries Management Area. It is convenient to both Ely and Babbitt and has several good public accesses with concrete plank boat ramps around the lake. Shoreline development on the lake has increased considerably in recent years, however 75% of the shoreline is undeveloped and under public ownership. On Birch Lake, anglers have had success catching walleye, northern pike, black crappie, and bluegill.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has classified Minnesota lakes into 43 different types based on physical and chemical characteristics. Birch Lake is in lake class 7. Other area lakes in the same lake class include Agnes, Bear Island, Bearhead, Fall, and Shagawa. The lake is an impoundment of old river beds so it larger, shallower, has steeper shoreline drop-offs, and has an extremely irregular shoreline shape compared to most other class 7 lakes. The major inlet (South Kawishiwi River) and the outlet (Birch River, also known as South Kawishiwi River) are both in the northeast corner of the lake. Dam operation results in a winter drawdown of about 4 ft.

Currently, the Birch Lake walleye fishery is sustained from natural reproduction. Birch Lake was stocked with walleye fry every second or third year from 1982 through 2002. Stocking was discontinued after 2002 because evaluations showed that stocked year classes were no stronger than non-stocked year classes. Walleye captured in the 2012 investigation ranged in length from 7.8 inches to 30.0 inches with a mean length of 12.5 inches. Walleye were caught in the nets throughout the lake indicating the population is evenly distributed.

On Birch Lake, a special regulation for northern pike began with the fishing opener in 2003. It is a 24-36 inch protected slot limit with one pike over 36 inches allowed in possession. The special regulation is improving opportunities to catch large pike. In investigations conducted on Birch Lake from 1981 to 2003, only 29% of the pike were 24 inches or longer. Since the implementation of the regulation, that portion of larger pike has shifted to 56% of the population. Pike growth was above average. After three years of growth, Birch Lake pike were typically 23 inches long and almost into the protected slot limit. On average, pike of this age from other area class 7 lakes are 19 inches.

The May trapnetting effectively sampled black crappie and bluegill. A total of 196 crappie were captured and ranged from 4 to 13 inches in length. The 2006 year class (age 6) was the strongest year class identified and made up 77% of the sample. At capture, an age-6 crappie averaged 10.3 inches long. The 147 bluegill sampled ranged from 3 to 10 inches with a mean length of nearly 7 inches. Anglers need to show some constraint when these bigger mature bluegill are biting. By keeping a few of the smaller bluegill for eating, you can help maintain the quality size structure.

Tullibee (cisco) and white sucker are two species that are excellent forage food for northern pike and walleye. Historically, both species have been captured on Birch Lake at abundances that are typical of other class 7 lakes.

The aquatic invasive species rusty crayfish first appeared in Birch Lake in the 2003 assessment. They were found off of a small island just south of the Highway 1 bridge. In 2012, four rusty crayfish and 51 native crayfish were captured in the nets. So far rusty crayfish appear to be limited to the north end of the lake.

Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. These nonnative species harm fish populations, water quality, and water recreation especially fishing. You can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following both the required and recommended actions listed in the Minnesota Fishing Regulations synopsis and on the Minnesota DNR website (www.mndnr.gov).

What is the average air temp for Birch Lake?

Are there any state parks near Birch Lake?