Birch Lake
Cook County, Minnesota
(1)Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be fairly active with peak fishing times around 3-4 PM. SEE MORE
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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 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 Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow, Fathead Minnow, Finescale Dace, Iowa Darter, Splake 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?
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History & Status of the Fishery
Birch Lake is a 236-acre lake located 34 miles north of Grand Marais and public access is through a carry-in access along the south shore. Rainbow trout are the primary management species with yearlings stocked every year since 2016. Brook trout were last stocked in 2015 and were not captured in the 2023 survey. In addition, there is a small natural population of lake trout that continues to persist despite limited habitat. The 2023 standard survey of Birch Lake was conducted to evaluate survival and growth of stocked rainbow trout.
Rainbow trout catches in the 2023 survey gill nets were comparable to the last two surveys (3.83 fish/net) and were slightly above average for similar lakes in the area. Rainbow trout captured ranged from 10.4 - 18.6 inches with most of the fish being about 12 inches long. There were slightly less larger fish in the population than in previous surveys. Aging results indicated that fish from 3 year classes were present in the lake with the oldest being 3 years old. Growth rates for rainbow trout were good. Birch Lake continues to provide good angling opportunities for rainbow trout.
Despite marginal temperature-oxygen conditions that provide limited habitat for lake trout in most years, the lake trout population has continued to persist in Birch Lake. The lake trout catch was very low but similar to catches seen in this lake since 2007. The one lake trout taken in the survey was 12 years old and 21.7 inches. Naturally reproducing lake trout populations are unique in Minnesota lakes, anglers targeting lake trout should consider catch and release practices with safe handling procedures.
Catches in 0.25-in-mesh trap nets indicated there has been no recovery of the nearshore fish community, which collapsed after smallmouth bass became established in this lake in the mid 2000s. As has been the case in most recent surveys, no minnows were found. There was one small (4.7 inch) smallmouth bass collected in the 2023 survey which is the fewest seen in surveys since they were detected in 2004. Smallmouth bass are likely not abundant enough to provide good angling opportunities.
Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.
Are there any state parks near Birch Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Birch Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Sock Lake | 1.1 mi | 20 | 23 ft |
| Mucker Lake | 1.2 mi | 10 | |
| East Otter Lake | 1.3 mi | 52 | 15 ft |
| Dunn Lake | 1.3 mi | 101 | 60 ft |
| Poplar Lake | 1.9 mi | 764 | 73 ft |
| South Lake | 2.0 mi | 1,145 | 140 ft |
| Topper Lake | 2.1 mi | 47 | 28 ft |
| East Pope Lake | 2.2 mi | 36 | 28 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.2 mi | 10 | |
| Skipper Lake | 2.2 mi | 107 | 30 ft |
