Balsam Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Taconite. DNR lake ID 31025900.
Balsam Lake is a 715.8-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Taconite. Its deepest point reaches 37 ft, and about 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31025900 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Taconite |
| Surface area | 715.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 37 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 41% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.4 ft through 2024 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2024) |
| 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 2024: clarity 10.4 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Balsam Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2024: steady.
Fishing on Balsam 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 | 0.08 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.0 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.67 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.08 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.83 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 23.42 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.25 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.17 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.08 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.5 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.75 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.08 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 36.0 in (2022), Walleye 25.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed). (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
- Balsam Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. 16 mi N of Taconite on Cnty Rd 7, then 2 mi W on Cnty Rd 51 to S shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- King Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- Barwise Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Haskell Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Scrapper Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Willeys Lake 2.1 mi, Itasca County
- Ross Lake 2.2 mi, Itasca County
- Buckman Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
- White Porky Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Balsam Lake
How deep is Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake reaches a maximum depth of 37 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake covers about 715.8 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Balsam Lake?
Summer water clarity on Balsam Lake averages 10.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Balsam Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Balsam 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 Balsam Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Balsam Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Balsam Lake.
How is the walleye population on Balsam Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2022, walleye numbers on Balsam Lake ran mostly below 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 Balsam Lake?
Homes on Balsam 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 Balsam Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Balsam Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 41% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Balsam Lake?
Yes. Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed).
Ask us about Balsam Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca 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.