Busties Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Craigville. DNR lake ID 31053000.
Busties Lake is a 245.1-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Craigville. Its deepest point reaches 44 ft, and about 29% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.3 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, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Busties 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 | 31053000 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Craigville |
| Surface area | 245.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 44 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 29% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.3 ft through 2020 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 16.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 6.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| 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 2020: clarity 10.3 ft, phosphorus 16.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 6.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Busties Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Busties 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 | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.44 | n/a |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.11 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | trap | 24.0 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.56 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.78 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2022), Northern pike 30.0 in (2022), Walleye 21.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, 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
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
- Busties Lake: 1 gravel launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. 5 mi E of Effie on Mn Hwy 1, then 3 mi NE on Cnty Rd 40 to N shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Round Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Shine Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Elbow Lake 4.9 mi, Itasca County
- Deer Lake 5.7 mi, Itasca County
- Duck Lake 6.0 mi, Itasca County
- Island Lake 6.2 mi, Itasca County
- Sucker Lake 6.2 mi, Itasca County
- Little Bass Lake 6.4 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Busties Lake
How deep is Busties Lake?
Busties Lake reaches a maximum depth of 44 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 29% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Busties Lake?
Busties Lake covers about 245.1 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Busties Lake?
Summer water clarity on Busties Lake averages 10.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2020. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Busties Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Busties 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 Busties Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, yellow bullhead in Busties Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Busties Lake?
Busties Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Busties Lake.
How is the walleye population on Busties Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2013 to 2021, walleye numbers on Busties 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 Busties Lake?
Homes on Busties 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 Busties Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Busties Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 29% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Busties Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Busties Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Busties 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.