Lower Balsam Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Taconite. DNR lake ID 31024700.
Lower Balsam Lake is a 258.5-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Taconite. Its deepest point reaches 29 ft, and about 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Lower Balsam 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 | 31024700 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Taconite |
| Surface area | 258.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 29 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 38% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.4 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 8.4 ft.
Fishing on Lower Balsam 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 1.33 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.17 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.25 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.5 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.12 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 12.5 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.25 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 7.0 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.83 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 2.83 | 0.5 to 4.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.38 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.25 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2011), Walleye 21.0 in (2011), Northern pike 35.0 in (2011).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, 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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Moose Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
- Snaptail Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Thirty Lake 2.9 mi, Itasca County
- Balsam Lake 3.5 mi, Itasca County
- Haskell Lake 3.7 mi, Itasca County
- Bass Lake 3.7 mi, Itasca County
- Trestle Lake 3.7 mi, Itasca County
- Crooked Lake 3.8 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Lower Balsam Lake
How deep is Lower Balsam Lake?
Lower Balsam Lake reaches a maximum depth of 29 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Lower Balsam Lake?
Lower Balsam Lake covers about 258.5 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Lower Balsam Lake?
Summer water clarity on Lower Balsam Lake averages 8.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Lower Balsam Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Lower Balsam 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 Lower Balsam Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, tullibee (cisco), burbot in Lower Balsam Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2011.
How is the walleye population on Lower Balsam Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1999 to 2011, walleye numbers on Lower Balsam Lake ran mostly within 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 Lower Balsam Lake?
Homes on Lower Balsam 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 Lower Balsam Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Lower Balsam Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 38% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lower Balsam Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Lower Balsam Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Lower Balsam 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.