Balsam Lake

How big is Balsam Lake?

How deep is Balsam Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Balsam Lake?

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

Balsam Lake East

Balsam Lake West

Are there boat launches on Balsam Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Balsam Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Balsam Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Balsam 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?

Balsam Lake is a class 25 lake located 14 miles north of Taconite, MN. The lake has one public access and is moderately developed. Balsam Lake has a history of producing large Northern Pike. A special regulation was implemented in the spring of 2006 to maintain or improve size structure. The regulation requires all Northern Pike from 24 to 36 inches be released and only one over 36 inches can be in possession. The daily limit is three. The 2017 lake management plan (LMP) indicates Northern Pike as the primary species of management with Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass as secondary species. The LMP goals include maintaining the Northern Pike gill net catch at 5.3/net with 70, 25, and 10% of the fish over 21, 28, and 34 inches. Other goals were to maintain the Black Crappie gill net or trap net catch near 3.0/net and maintain a spring night electrofishing catch for Largemouth Bass greater than 15/hour on-time.

A standard survey was conducted in June of 2022 to assess the fish community and evaluate the Northern Pike special regulation. A total of 12 gill nets and 12 trap nets were used in the survey. Additional sampling of near shore fish species was conducted to calculate an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score. The IBI information is in a separate Targeted Survey report. Electrofishing for Largemouth Bass was not completed in 2022 due to staffing and workload considerations.

Northern Pike gill net catch rates have ranged from 3.3 to 10.4 fish/net since 1966. The 2022 catch of 6.0 fish/net was below average for the lake but near the LMP goal. Lower pike numbers are desirable because slow growth and poor size structure is more common when densities are high. Northern Pike ranged from 14.6 to 36.2 inches and averaged 23 inches. Size structure goals were not achieved since only 60, 18, and 3% of the sample were 21, 28, and 34 inches long. Size quality of pike appears to have modestly improved since the regulation went into effect and good angling opportunities exist.

Black Crappie catch rates have been quite variable since 1966, however size structure resembled past surveys. The gill net catch rate exceeded the LMP goal in 2022 (4.0 fish/net). The gill net sampled fish ranged from 5.0 to 12.5 inches and averaged 8.7 inches. Nearly 22 percent of captured crappie exceeded 10 inches. Given the relative abundance and size structure, modest angling opportunities appear to exist.

Balsam Lake has a history of producing high numbers of small Bluegill. The 2022 trap net catch was near the lake average and typical compared to similar lakes. Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.0 to 8.9 inches and averaged 5.9 inches. Only 6 percent of the sampled Bluegill exceeded 8 inches. Good angling opportunities of moderate-sized sunfish appear to exist given the abundance and size structure.

Tullibee are an important prey fish but are difficult to sample with our standard summer surveys due to their pelagic nature. Catch rates have ranged from 0 to 14.2 fish/gill net since 1966. Like many Minnesota lakes, Tullibee in Balsam appear to have declined over time. The catch of 1.2/net in 2022 was typical for lakes with similar habitats but below average for Balsam. The sampled fish ranged from 8.7 to 15.1 inches and averaged 12.7 inches.

Yellow Perch catches have typically been low, ranging from 0 to 5.6/gill net since 1966. In 2022, the catch was 4.7 fish/gill net. The sampled fish ranged from 5.6 to 8.5 inches and had a mean length of 6.3 inches. Yellow Perch are unlikely to attract angler interest due to their poor size structure and low numbers.

Lakes like Balsam seldom have good Walleye populations because they have low productivity, bog-stained water, and low perch numbers. Past evaluations have determined Walleye natural reproduction was poor and various stocking strategies have failed to produce a viable fishery. Since 1966, the gill net catch rates have fluctuated from 0 to 1.0 Walleye/net and the catch was 0.1/net in 2022. Despite Walleye stocking being popular with anglers, it has not been effective in Balsam, and it would not be a wise use of future resources.

Other species observed during the survey included Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, and Yellow Bullhead.

What is the average air temp for Balsam Lake?

Are there any state parks near Balsam Lake?