Irving Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. DNR lake ID 04014000.
Irving Lake is a 661.3-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. Its deepest point reaches 19 ft, and about 83% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 5.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04014000 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Bemidji |
| Surface area | 661.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 19 ft |
| Mean depth | 10.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 83% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 5.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 47.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 20.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 5.4 ft, phosphorus 47.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 20.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Irving Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Irving 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 | 5.0 | 1.5 to 5.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.11 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.62 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 45.22 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.88 | 0.8 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.44 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.12 | 0.8 to 6.5 |
| Bluegill | trap | 3.0 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.12 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Muskellunge | gill | 0.11 | n/a |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.22 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.88 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Rock bass | gill | 7.22 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2022), Northern pike 40.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 18.0 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2018).
Public boat access
- Lake Irving: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. In Bemidji, off 1st Street adjacent to the city sewer treatment plant on the northeast shore. Directions
- Irving Lake South: carry-in or shore access. From Bemidji, S on Jefferson Ave, E on S. Lake Irving Dr. SW. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Carr Lake 1.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Marquette Lake 2.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Bemidji (main lake) 3.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Grass Lake 3.9 mi, Beltrami County
- Miller Lake 4.9 mi, Beltrami County
- Plantagenet Lake 5.3 mi, Hubbard County
- Bootleg Lake 5.8 mi, Beltrami County
- Grant Lake 6.1 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Irving Lake
How deep is Irving Lake?
Irving Lake reaches a maximum depth of 19 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 83% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Irving Lake?
Irving Lake covers about 661.3 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Irving Lake?
Summer water clarity on Irving Lake averages 5.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Irving Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Irving Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Irving Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Irving Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Irving Lake?
Irving Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Lake Irving; Irving Lake South.
How is the walleye population on Irving Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2022, walleye numbers on Irving Lake ran mostly within 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 Irving Lake?
Homes on Irving 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 Irving Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Irving Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 83% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 5.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Irving Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Irving Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Irving 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.