Helen Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bengal. DNR lake ID 31002300.
Helen Lake is a 157.8-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bengal. Its deepest point reaches 33 ft, and about 54% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.5 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 northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Helen 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 | 31002300 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Bengal |
| Surface area | 157.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 33 ft |
| Mean depth | 15.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 54% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.5 ft through 2021 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 14.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 6.2 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 2021: clarity 8.5 ft, phosphorus 14.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 6.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Helen Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Helen Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2011 (15 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 | 4.0 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.17 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.67 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.89 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 4.67 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.44 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2011), Northern pike 26.0 in (2011).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, 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
- Helen Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. 7 miles northeast of Goodland, on CSAH 16, on the west shore of Helen Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Island Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Dode Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Little Flower Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Bengal Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Beauty Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Mary Lake 2.3 mi, Itasca County
- Hart Lake 3.3 mi, Itasca County
- Twin Lake 4.1 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Helen Lake
How deep is Helen Lake?
Helen Lake reaches a maximum depth of 33 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 54% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Helen Lake?
Helen Lake covers about 157.8 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Helen Lake?
Summer water clarity on Helen Lake averages 8.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2021. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Helen Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Helen 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 Helen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead in Helen Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2011.
Where is the public boat access on Helen Lake?
Helen Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Helen Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Helen Lake?
Homes on Helen 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 Helen Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Helen Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 54% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Helen Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Helen Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Helen 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 2011), 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.