Balm Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Solway. DNR lake ID 04032900.
Balm Lake is a 537.4-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Solway. Its deepest point reaches 33 ft, and about 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.9 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 walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Balm 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 Balm LakeWhat’s my Balm Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04032900 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Solway |
| Surface area | 537.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 33 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 52% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 16.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (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 11.9 ft, phosphorus 16.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Balm Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Balm Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 | 15.67 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.12 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.33 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.5 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.56 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.5 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 5.33 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.75 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 36.78 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 23.0 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 26.11 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 6.75 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.56 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.38 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.12 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 26.0 in (2018), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2018), Northern pike 38.0 in (2018).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker, 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
- Balm Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 15 trailer spaces. 7 mi SW of Red Lake on MN Hwy 89, then 3 mi W on Cnty Rd 32, then W on Twp Rd to E shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Dellwater Lake 1.5 mi, Beltrami County
- Moose Lake 2.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Sylvia Lake 3.1 mi, Beltrami County
- Myrtle Lake 3.3 mi, Beltrami County
- Island Lake 4.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Clearwater Lake 5.2 mi, Beltrami County
- Sandy Lake 5.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Ten Mile Lake 8.1 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Balm Lake
How deep is Balm Lake?
Balm Lake reaches a maximum depth of 33 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Balm Lake?
Balm Lake covers about 537.4 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Balm Lake?
Summer water clarity on Balm Lake averages 11.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Balm Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Balm 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 Balm Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker in Balm Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Balm Lake?
Balm Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Balm Lake.
How is the walleye population on Balm Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2018, walleye numbers on Balm 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 Balm Lake?
Homes on Balm 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 Balm Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Balm Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 52% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Balm Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Balm Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Balm Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Beltrami County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2018), 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.