Bower Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Nashwauk. DNR lake ID 31005200.
Bower Lake is a 93.1-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Nashwauk. Its deepest point reaches 35 ft, and about 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 5.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Bower 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 | 31005200 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Nashwauk |
| Surface area | 93.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 35 ft |
| Mean depth | 20.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 42% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 5.3 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 2025: clarity 5.3 ft.
Fishing on Bower 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 | 3.0 | 2.0 to 8.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 5.75 | 1.5 to 18.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.89 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.0 | 0.5 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 7.33 | 1.0 to 6.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 27.56 | 7.9 to 37.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.78 | 1.1 to 4.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.11 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 21.0 in (2000), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2010), Northern pike 30.0 in (2010).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, White sucker, Yellow 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
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
- Bower Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. 15 mi N of Nashwauk on Mn Hwy 65, then 3 mi E on State Forest Rd to S shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Stingy Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- O'Leary Lake 2.4 mi, Itasca County
- Sherry Lake 3.1 mi, Itasca County
- Twenty Four Lake 3.2 mi, Itasca County
- Buck Lake 4.3 mi, Itasca County
- West Lake 4.4 mi, Itasca County
- South Sturgeon Lake 4.7 mi, Itasca County
- Wolf Lake 5.9 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Bower Lake
How deep is Bower Lake?
Bower Lake reaches a maximum depth of 35 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 42% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Bower Lake?
Bower Lake covers about 93.1 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Bower Lake?
Summer water clarity on Bower Lake averages 5.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Bower Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Bower 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 Bower Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, white sucker, yellow bullhead in Bower Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2010.
Where is the public boat access on Bower Lake?
Bower Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Bower Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Bower Lake?
Homes on Bower 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 Bower Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Bower Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 42% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 5.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bower Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Bower Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Bower 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 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.