Little Ball Bluff Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson. DNR lake ID 01005700.
Little Ball Bluff Lake is a 37.2-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson. Its deepest point reaches 49 ft, and about 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, tullibee (cisco).
Buying or selling on Little Ball Bluff Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
Tell us about your dream home on Little Ball Bluff LakeWhat’s my Little Ball Bluff Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01005700 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Jacobson |
| Surface area | 37.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 49 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 32% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.0 ft through 2016 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 55.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| 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 2016: clarity 13.0 ft, phosphorus 55.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Ball Bluff Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Little Ball Bluff Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2013 (13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 5.5 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.89 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.5 | 1.5 to 23.0 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.0 | 0.5 to 2.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 4.44 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | trap | 19.11 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.44 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.56 | 0.5 to 2.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.78 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2006), Northern pike 27.0 in (2013).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: 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
- Little Ball Bluff Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. 12 miles N & E of McGregor on MN Highway #65 and CSAH Highway #36 on the east shore of lake Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Ball Bluff Lake 0.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Blackface Lake 1.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Bay 2.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Vanduse Lake 3.0 mi, Aitkin County
- Hay Lake 3.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Boot Lake 5.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Cutaway Lake 6.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Wakefield Lake 6.5 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Little Ball Bluff Lake
How deep is Little Ball Bluff Lake?
Little Ball Bluff Lake reaches a maximum depth of 49 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 32% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Ball Bluff Lake?
Little Ball Bluff Lake covers about 37.2 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Ball Bluff Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Ball Bluff Lake averages 13.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2016. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Little Ball Bluff Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Little 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 Little Ball Bluff Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco), bowfin in Little Ball Bluff Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2013.
Where is the public boat access on Little Ball Bluff Lake?
Little Ball Bluff Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Little Ball Bluff Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Ball Bluff Lake?
Homes on Little 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 Little Ball Bluff Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Ball Bluff Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 32% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Ball Bluff Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Little Ball Bluff Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Little 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 2013), 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.