Bowstring Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. DNR lake ID 31081300.
Bowstring Lake is a 9,528-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. Its deepest point reaches 32 ft, and about 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for faucet snail, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31081300 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Deer River |
| Surface area | 9,528 acres |
| Maximum depth | 32 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 50% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.0 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 35.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 14.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2018 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | faucet snail, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 3 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 8.0 ft, phosphorus 35.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 14.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Bowstring Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2018 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Bowstring Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 10.2 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 15.6 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.8 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.4 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.13 | n/a |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 1.47 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.07 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 32.0 in (2021), Walleye 24.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Silver redhorse, 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 2015), zebra mussel (listed 2020).
Public boat access
- Bowstring Lake (S): 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. 8 mi N of the city of Deer River on Mn Hwy 6, then 3 mi W on Cnty Rd 37, then 2 mi N on Cnty Rd 153, then .75 mi NW to S shore. Directions
- Bowstring Lake (NW): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 7 trailer spaces. 18.5 miles northwest of the city of Deer River, on MN Highway 46, 5 miles northeast on County Road 35, on the north shore of Bowstring Lake. Directions
- Bowstring Lake (NE): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 24 trailer spaces. Approximately 18.5 mi N of the city of Deer River on Mn Hwy 6, then W to NE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Portage Lake 4.1 mi, Itasca County
- Egg Lake 4.3 mi, Itasca County
- Little Jessie Lake 4.7 mi, Itasca County
- First River 5.4 mi, Itasca County
- Jessie Lake 5.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake 5.7 mi, Itasca County
- Bird's Eye Lake 5.8 mi, Itasca County
- Rush Island Lake 6.4 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Bowstring Lake
How deep is Bowstring Lake?
Bowstring Lake reaches a maximum depth of 32 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Bowstring Lake?
Bowstring Lake covers about 9,528 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Bowstring Lake?
Summer water clarity on Bowstring Lake averages 8.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Bowstring Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Bowstring Lake for faucet snail, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Bowstring Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Bowstring Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Bowstring Lake?
Bowstring Lake has 3 public water access sites on DNR record: Bowstring Lake (S); Bowstring Lake (NW); Bowstring Lake (NE).
How is the walleye population on Bowstring Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2021, walleye numbers on Bowstring Lake ran mostly above 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 Bowstring Lake?
Homes on Bowstring 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 Bowstring Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Bowstring Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 50% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bowstring Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Bowstring Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Bowstring 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 2021), 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.