Bad Medicine Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Ponsford. DNR lake ID 03008500.
Bad Medicine Lake is an 803-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Ponsford. Its deepest point reaches 84 ft, and about 36% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 24.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03008500 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Ponsford |
| Surface area | 803 acres |
| Maximum depth | 84 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 36% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 24.8 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 7.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 1.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| 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 24.8 ft, phosphorus 7.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 1.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Bad Medicine Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Bad Medicine Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 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 | 6.33 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.08 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.33 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.89 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.08 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.58 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | trap | 1.08 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 3.11 | 0.2 to 1.0 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 1.33 | 0.1 to 0.4 |
| Rock bass | gill | 3.0 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 3.33 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Burbot | gill | 1.56 | 0.1 to 0.4 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 38.0 in (2017), Largemouth bass 20.0 in (2012), Walleye 20.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 18.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Rainbow trout, White sucker.
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
- Bad Medicine Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 14 trailer spaces. 11 miles west of Itasca State Park, off MN Highway 113 on the north shore of Bad Medicine Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Bass Lake 1.5 mi, Becker County
- Kneebone Lake 1.8 mi, Becker County
- Juggler Lake 2.9 mi, Becker County
- Sockeye Lake 3.4 mi, Becker County
- Basswood Lake 3.6 mi, Becker County
- Wahbegon Lake 3.7 mi, Becker County
- Big Basswood Lake 4.4 mi, Becker County
- Pike Lake 6.1 mi, Becker County
Questions about Bad Medicine Lake
How deep is Bad Medicine Lake?
Bad Medicine Lake reaches a maximum depth of 84 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 36% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Bad Medicine Lake?
Bad Medicine Lake covers about 803 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Bad Medicine Lake?
Summer water clarity on Bad Medicine Lake averages 24.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Bad Medicine Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Bad Medicine 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 Bad Medicine Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Bad Medicine Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
Where is the public boat access on Bad Medicine Lake?
Bad Medicine Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Bad Medicine Lake.
How is the walleye population on Bad Medicine Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2017, walleye numbers on Bad Medicine Lake ran mostly above 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 Bad Medicine Lake?
Homes on Bad Medicine 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 Bad Medicine Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Bad Medicine Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 36% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 24.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bad Medicine Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Bad Medicine Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Bad Medicine Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Becker County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2017), 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.