Bertha Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. DNR lake ID 18035500.
Bertha Lake is a 336.9-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. Its deepest point reaches 64 ft, and about 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is part of the Whitefish Chain. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18035500 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Jenkins |
| Surface area | 336.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 64 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 42% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.8 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 20.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Boating chain | Whitefish Chain |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 16.8 ft, phosphorus 20.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Bertha Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Bertha 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 | 1.67 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.89 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.12 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.11 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.12 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.75 | 0.5 to 2.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 30.62 | 7.7 to 43.4 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.78 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.12 | 0.4 to 1.5 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 14.78 | 1.3 to 10.4 |
| Lake whitefish | gill | 1.0 | 0.4 to 5.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.44 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 6.0 | 1.4 to 5.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.56 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
| Rock bass | trap | 7.0 | 0.8 to 3.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 2.25 | n/a |
| Burbot | gill | 0.22 | 0.2 to 0.3 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 29.0 in (2018), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2018), Northern pike 35.0 in (2018), Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2011).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Lake whitefish, Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, Silver redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2014).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Whitefish Chain
Fourteen lakes that became one connected system when the Pine River dam raised the water about ten feet. Roughly 14,000 acres of boatable water around Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Jenkins, and Pine River. The DNR records Rush and Hen as one lake.
Whitefish Lake, Cross Lake, Big Trout Lake, Rush Lake, Lower Hay Lake, Little Pine Lake, Arrowhead Lake, Daggett Lake, Clamshell Lake, Pig Lake, Island Lake, Loon Lake
Around the lake
On-water fuel: Bertha Boat Works, whitefish Chain gas, service, and rentals, 6846 County Rd 16, Pequot Lakes. Confirm hours before heading out.
Nearby lakes
- Clamshell Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Grass Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Lower Hay Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clear Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Island Lake 1.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Nelson Lake 2.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Strawberry Lake 2.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Kimball Lake 2.5 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Bertha Lake
How deep is Bertha Lake?
Bertha Lake reaches a maximum depth of 64 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Bertha Lake?
Bertha Lake covers about 336.9 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Bertha Lake?
Summer water clarity on Bertha Lake averages 16.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Bertha Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Bertha Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Bertha Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Bertha Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
How is the walleye population on Bertha Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2018, walleye numbers on Bertha 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 Bertha Lake?
Homes on Bertha 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 Bertha Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Bertha Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 42% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bertha Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5.
Ask us about Bertha Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing 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.