Bemidji (main lake)
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Lavinia (Beltrami). DNR lake ID 04013002.
Bemidji (main lake) is a 6,596-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Lavinia (Beltrami). Its deepest point reaches 76 ft, and about 28% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.9 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, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04013002 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Lavinia (Beltrami) |
| Surface area | 6,596 acres |
| Maximum depth | 76 ft |
| Mean depth | 34.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 28% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.9 ft through 2024 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 20.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 6.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2024) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 6 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2024: clarity 10.9 ft, phosphorus 20.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 6.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Bemidji (main lake) rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2024: clearer.
Fishing on Bemidji (main lake)
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 13.67 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Walleye | trap | 1.31 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.53 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.62 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 31.6 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 3.19 | 0.7 to 3.7 |
| Bluegill | trap | 0.19 | 3.7 to 42.9 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.06 | 0.4 to 1.4 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.47 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.93 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.38 | 0.7 to 3.3 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 4.0 in (2017), Walleye 24.0 in (2022), Northern pike 38.0 in (2022), Muskellunge 50.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black 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
- Lake Bemidji, Northwoods: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 24 trailer spaces. 3 miles north of Bemidji on CSAH 21 to NW shore of the lake. Directions
- Lake Bemidji, Lavinia: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 7 trailer spaces. NE of the city of Bemidji 4.4 miles on Cty Rd 19 and Pintail Lane NE on the east shore of lake. Directions
- Lake Bemidji, Cameron Park: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 2 docks, 19 trailer spaces. In Bemidji, at the junction of 23rd Street and Birchmont Drive NE, on the Mississippi River. Directions
- Lake Bemidji, Lake Bemidji SPK: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 9 trailer spaces. From Bemidji, 4 miles north on Co Rd 21, then 2 miles east on Co Rd 20 to Bemidji State Park. Directions
- Lake Bemidj, Nymore Beach: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 25 trailer spaces. Located in the south area of the City of Bemidj on the south shore, 2 miles N of US Hwy 2 on Washington Ave. Directions
- Lake Bemidji, Diamond Point: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 1 trailer spaces. In Diamond Point Municipal Park, adjacent to Bemidji State University, on the Missippi River. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Irving Lake 3.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Big Bass Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Little Bass Lake 3.7 mi, Beltrami County
- Grass Lake 4.7 mi, Beltrami County
- Lake Bemidji 4.7 mi, Beltrami County
- Carr Lake 4.8 mi, Beltrami County
- Marquette Lake 5.8 mi, Beltrami County
- Movil Lake 6.0 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Bemidji (main lake)
How deep is Bemidji (main lake)?
Bemidji (main lake) reaches a maximum depth of 76 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 28% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Bemidji (main lake)?
Bemidji (main lake) covers about 6,596 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Bemidji (main lake)?
Summer water clarity on Bemidji (main lake) averages 10.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Bemidji (main lake) have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Bemidji (main 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 Bemidji (main lake)?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Bemidji (main lake). The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Bemidji (main lake)?
Bemidji (main lake) has 6 public water access sites on DNR record: Lake Bemidji, Northwoods; Lake Bemidji, Lavinia; Lake Bemidji, Cameron Park; Lake Bemidji, Lake Bemidji SPK; Lake Bemidj, Nymore Beach; Lake Bemidji, Diamond Point.
How is the walleye population on Bemidji (main lake)?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2022, walleye numbers on Bemidji (main 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 Bemidji (main lake)?
Homes on Bemidji (main 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 Bemidji (main lake) and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Bemidji (main lake)?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 28% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bemidji (main lake)?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Bemidji (main lake) in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Bemidji (main 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 2022), 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.