Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Birch Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
The lake has a maximum depth of 50 feet and an average depth of 25 feet. It is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, which provide a picturesque backdrop for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, which are popular targets for anglers.
Birch Lake is also an important ecological resource, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The lake is part of the Superior National Forest and is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to protect and conserve the area's natural resources.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Birch Lake is surrounded by several parks, campgrounds, and resorts, making it a popular vacation destination. The area also offers hiking and biking trails, hunting opportunities, and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Birch Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Birch Lake, MN
- How big is Birch Lake?
- How deep is Birch Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Birch Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Birch Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Birch Lake?
- 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?
- What is the average air temp for Birch Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Birch Lake?
How big is Birch Lake?
How deep is Birch Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Birch Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Bluntnose Minnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Emerald Shiner, Golden Shiner, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Spottail Shiner, Trout-Perch and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Birch Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Birch Lake?
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?
Explore the Birch Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
Adventure Awaits in the 2021 Heartland Mallard Pathfinder P16SRD
Hermantown, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
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?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Birch Lake Reviews
Below is the word on street about Birch Lake.Have you been to Birch Lake? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
Submit Review
tom d.
bob f.
musky3
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Birch Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Kangas Lake | 0.2 mi | 22 | 15 ft |
Little Lake | 1.2 mi | 71 | 24 ft |
Blueberry Lake | 2.5 mi | 125 | 6 ft |
Perch Lake | 3.3 mi | 100 | 13 ft |
One Pine Lake | 3.5 mi | 355 | 13 ft |
Whisper Lake | 3.8 mi | 46 | 25 ft |
Johnson Lake | 4.8 mi | 456 | 18 ft |
Bear Island Lake | 5.8 mi | 2,362 | 62 ft |
Unnamed Lake | 6.3 mi | 14 | 10 ft |
Unnamed Lake | 6.8 mi | 10 | 14 ft |