Medicine Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Tenstrike. DNR lake ID 04012200.
Medicine Lake is a 461.3-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Tenstrike. Its deepest point reaches 44 ft, and about 67% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic 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 Medicine 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04012200 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Tenstrike |
| Surface area | 461.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 44 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 67% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 33.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 18.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (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 9.2 ft, phosphorus 33.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 18.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Medicine Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Medicine 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 | 4.78 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.11 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.78 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 12.33 | 2.0 to 21.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.0 | 0.3 to 2.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.22 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.44 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.44 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 2.33 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.11 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.56 | 2.8 to 10.3 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 27.0 in (2018), Northern pike 36.0 in (2018), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2018).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed). Sunfish daily limit 5. (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
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
- Medicine Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 10 trailer spaces. 6 mi N of Tenstrike off Cnty Rd 23 to E shore of lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Sandy Lake 3.1 mi, Beltrami County
- White Fish Lake 3.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Hagali Lake 3.5 mi, Beltrami County
- Jackson Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Gull Lake 3.9 mi, Beltrami County
- Silver Lake 4.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Bass Lake 4.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Dark Lake 4.6 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Medicine Lake
How deep is Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake reaches a maximum depth of 44 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 67% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake covers about 461.3 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Medicine Lake?
Summer water clarity on Medicine Lake averages 9.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Medicine Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
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 Medicine Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead in Medicine Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Medicine Lake.
How is the walleye population on Medicine Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1998 to 2018, walleye numbers on 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 Medicine Lake?
Homes on 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 Medicine Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Medicine Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 67% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Medicine Lake?
Yes. Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed). Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Medicine 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.