Blackwater Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. DNR lake ID 31056100.
Blackwater Lake is a 600.5-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. Its deepest point reaches 72 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 4.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for faucet snail. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Blackwater 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 | 31056100 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Cohasset |
| Surface area | 600.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 72 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 4.8 ft through 2022 |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | faucet snail |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2022: clarity 4.8 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Blackwater Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Blackwater Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2003 (23 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 | 0.25 | 1.0 to 3.2 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.09 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.25 | 3.6 to 11.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.36 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.42 | 3.8 to 22.8 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.36 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.17 | 1.0 to 10.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.18 | 0.7 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.75 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 8.82 | 4.0 to 28.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.18 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.25 | 0.2 to 1.4 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.27 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2003), Walleye 18.0 in (2003), Northern pike 31.0 in (2009).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black 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: faucet snail (listed 2016).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Guile Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Loon Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
- Jay Gould Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
- Long Lake 2.4 mi, Itasca County
- Little Rice Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Little Jay Gould Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Forsythe Lake 2.9 mi, Itasca County
- Little Cavanaugh Lake 3.0 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Blackwater Lake
How deep is Blackwater Lake?
Blackwater Lake reaches a maximum depth of 72 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Blackwater Lake?
Blackwater Lake covers about 600.5 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Blackwater Lake?
Summer water clarity on Blackwater Lake averages 4.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2022. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Blackwater Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Blackwater Lake for faucet snail.
What fish are in Blackwater Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, bowfin in Blackwater Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2003.
Are there lake homes for sale on Blackwater Lake?
Homes on Blackwater 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 Blackwater Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Blackwater Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 100% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 4.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Blackwater Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Blackwater Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Blackwater 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 2003), 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.