Bad Axe Lake
Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Emmaville. DNR lake ID 29020800.
Bad Axe Lake is a 303.3-acre lake in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Emmaville. Its deepest point reaches 39 ft, and about 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Bad Axe 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 | 29020800 |
|---|---|
| County | Hubbard County, near Emmaville |
| Surface area | 303.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 39 ft |
| Mean depth | 19.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 41% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 14.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 15.7 ft, phosphorus 14.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Bad Axe Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Bad Axe Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2010 (16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 2.0 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 71.33 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.56 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.17 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.33 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | trap | 90.44 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 4.0 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 5.33 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 16.67 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.44 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Smallmouth bass 14.0 in (2000), Northern pike 34.0 in (2010), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2010), Muskellunge 30.0 in (2000).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2017).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Mantrap Lake 1.7 mi, Hubbard County
- Stocking Lake 2.5 mi, Hubbard County
- Upper Bottle Lake 3.1 mi, Hubbard County
- Skunk Lake 3.2 mi, Hubbard County
- Pickerel Lake 3.7 mi, Hubbard County
- Lower Bottle Lake 3.8 mi, Hubbard County
- Dead Lake 4.4 mi, Hubbard County
- Ojibway Lake 4.4 mi, Hubbard County
Questions about Bad Axe Lake
How deep is Bad Axe Lake?
Bad Axe Lake reaches a maximum depth of 39 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Bad Axe Lake?
Bad Axe Lake covers about 303.3 acres in Hubbard County, Minnesota.
How clear is Bad Axe Lake?
Summer water clarity on Bad Axe Lake averages 15.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Bad Axe Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Bad Axe Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil.
What fish are in Bad Axe Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker in Bad Axe Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2010.
Are there lake homes for sale on Bad Axe Lake?
Homes on Bad Axe 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 Bad Axe Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Bad Axe Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 41% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bad Axe Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Bad Axe Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Bad Axe Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Hubbard County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2010), 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.