Blue Lake

How big is Blue Lake?

How deep is Blue Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Blue Lake?

Are there boat launches on Blue Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Blue Lake?

Blue Lake is located seven miles northeast of Park Rapids in Hubbard County. Blue Lake has a surface area of 336 acres and a maximum depth of 84 feet. There is a state-owned public access with a concrete ramp located on the northwest shore of the lake. Blue Lake is known for its exceptional water clarity and sandy shorelines. Blue Lake has a good Walleye population and gives anglers a chance at a trophy fish. A bonus Rainbow Trout population is also present in the lake.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical and chemical characteristics. Blue Lake is in lake class 23. Class 23 lakes are characterized by having hard water, deep basins, and very high water clarity. Other area lakes in this same classification include Boot, East Crooked, and Eleventh Crow Wing.

Blue Lake has an excellent Walleye population, both in terms of numbers and size of fish. Walleye abundance (10.2 Walleye/gill net) was similar to recent surveys. Sampled Walleye had an average length and weight of 13.6 inches and 1.3 pounds, with fish measured up to 30.7 inches. The abundant Walleye population in Blue Lake is the result of a successful stocking program by the DNR. Age analysis from present and past surveys has shown that the majority of the sampled Walleye correspond to stocked years. Blue Lake is stocked with Walleye fingerlings in even numbered years. Abundant Tullibee (Cisco) and Yellow Perch populations provide an excellent forage base for the growth of larger Walleye. Anglers will find a few Yellow Perch of an acceptable size for fishing.

Blue Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout during odd numbered years. No Rainbow Trout were sampled in the 2014 survey. Rainbow Trout stocking began in 1984 and trout have been sampled in low numbers in past surveys. Blue Lake was opened to winter angling in 2007. Angler reports and success for Rainbow Trout have been limited for both the open water and ice angling season.

Present and past surveys have shown very low Northern Pike numbers in Blue Lake. While Northern Pike abundance is low, the abundant forage base of Tullibee (Cisco), White Sucker, and Yellow Perch can produce some big Northern Pike. Northern pike up to 36.3 inches were sampled.

Blue Lake is not known for providing much of a Panfish fishery. Bluegill abundance was up from past surveys; however, size of fish runs small due to slow growth rates. Anglers will find Bluegill and Pumpkinseed in the 6 inch size range. Present and past surveys have shown Blue Lake to have a low Black Crappie population. While numbers are low, anglers will find larger sized Black Crappie are present.

Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass populations are also present in Blue Lake in low numbers when compared to surrounding lakes. Largemouth Bass are the more common of the two species, while Smallmouth Bass present in very low numbers.

Currently no aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been identified in Blue Lake. 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.

What is the average air temp for Blue Lake?

Are there any state parks near Blue Lake?