Swenson Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. DNR lake ID 04008500.
Swenson Lake is a 411.8-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Bemidji. Its deepest point reaches 76 ft, and about 33% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 21.6 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.
Buying or selling on Swenson 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 | 04008500 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Bemidji |
| Surface area | 411.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 76 ft |
| Mean depth | 31.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 33% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 21.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 8.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 21.6 ft, phosphorus 8.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Swenson Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Swenson Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1993 (33 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 | 10.0 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.56 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 14.2 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.89 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 35.6 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.67 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 9.2 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 53.56 | 7.7 to 43.4 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.4 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 2.89 | 0.4 to 1.5 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.4 | 1.3 to 10.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 6.2 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.67 | 1.4 to 5.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 6.4 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
| Rock bass | trap | 8.33 | 0.8 to 3.7 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 36.0 in (1993), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (1993), Walleye 27.0 in (1993).
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Stocking Lake 1.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Andrusia Lake 1.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Mission Lake 3.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Silver Lake 3.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Lake Bemidji 3.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Wolf Lake 3.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Big Lake 4.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Ten Lake 4.2 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Swenson Lake
How deep is Swenson Lake?
Swenson Lake reaches a maximum depth of 76 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 33% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Swenson Lake?
Swenson Lake covers about 411.8 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Swenson Lake?
Summer water clarity on Swenson Lake averages 21.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Swenson Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Swenson 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.
Are there lake homes for sale on Swenson Lake?
Homes on Swenson 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 Swenson Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Swenson Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 33% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 21.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Swenson Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Swenson Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Swenson 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 1993), 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.