Ball Bluff Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson. DNR lake ID 01004600.
Ball Bluff Lake is a 168.6-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson. Its deepest point reaches 78 ft, and about 19% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01004600 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Jacobson |
| Surface area | 168.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 78 ft |
| Mean depth | 25.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 19% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.0 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 12.0 ft.
Fishing on Ball Bluff Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 0.17 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 4.0 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.12 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.17 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.25 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.17 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.25 | 0.5 to 2.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 4.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 15.38 | 7.7 to 43.4 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.38 | 0.4 to 1.5 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 3.83 | 1.3 to 10.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.0 | 1.4 to 5.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.62 | 0.8 to 3.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.5 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2021), Walleye 25.0 in (2021), Northern pike 35.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Ball Bluff Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. 4.3 miles S of Jacobson on W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Ball Bluff Lake 0.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Blackface Lake 1.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Bay 2.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Vanduse Lake 3.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Hay Lake 3.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Boot Lake 5.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Cutaway Lake 5.9 mi, Aitkin County
- Wakefield Lake 6.2 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Ball Bluff Lake
How deep is Ball Bluff Lake?
Ball Bluff Lake reaches a maximum depth of 78 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 19% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Ball Bluff Lake?
Ball Bluff Lake covers about 168.6 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Ball Bluff Lake?
Summer water clarity on Ball Bluff Lake averages 12.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Ball Bluff Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Ball Bluff Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Ball Bluff Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Ball Bluff Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Ball Bluff Lake?
Ball Bluff Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Ball Bluff Lake.
How is the walleye population on Ball Bluff Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2021, walleye numbers on Ball Bluff Lake ran mostly below the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Ball Bluff Lake?
Homes on Ball Bluff Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Ball Bluff Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Ball Bluff Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 19% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Ball Bluff Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Ball Bluff Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Ball Bluff Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Aitkin County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.