Owen Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. DNR lake ID 31029200.
Owen Lake is a 267.7-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. Its deepest point reaches 34 ft, and about 70% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.6 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 Owen 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Owen LakeWhat’s my Owen Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31029200 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Bigfork |
| Surface area | 267.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 34 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 70% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.6 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 11.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.7 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 2018: clarity 14.6 ft, phosphorus 11.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Owen Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Owen Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 | 1.67 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.67 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.75 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 10.83 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.12 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.0 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.25 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 12.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 12.0 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.17 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.88 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.5 to 3.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.25 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.12 | n/a |
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 (2018), Northern pike 39.0 in (2018), Walleye 21.0 in (2018), Smallmouth bass 15.0 in (2018).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, White sucker.
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
- Owen Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. 9 mi S of Big Fork on Cnty Rd 7, then 7 mi E on Cnty Rd 340, then 1.5 mi N on Cnty Rd 52 to S shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Walters Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Rainbow Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- Lost Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- Kelly Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Napoleon Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Long Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Blind Pete Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
- Otter Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Owen Lake
How deep is Owen Lake?
Owen Lake reaches a maximum depth of 34 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 70% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Owen Lake?
Owen Lake covers about 267.7 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Owen Lake?
Summer water clarity on Owen Lake averages 14.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Owen Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Owen 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 Owen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, white sucker in Owen Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Owen Lake?
Owen Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Owen Lake.
How is the walleye population on Owen Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2018, walleye numbers on Owen 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 Owen Lake?
Homes on Owen 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 Owen Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Owen Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 70% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Owen Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Owen Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Owen 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 2018), 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.