Balsam Lake

Balsam Lake

Size
710ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
Yes
Species in Balsam Lake
Crappie
Crappie
Perch
Perch
Bluegill
Bluegill
Walleye
Walleye
Northern pike
Northern pike
Pumpkinseed
Pumpkinseed
Rock bass
Rock bass
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass

Overview

Balsam Lake Map

Fishing Regulations

Special Fishing regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Regulations listed below are currently in place. Visit the fishing regulations page for links to upcoming regulations for specific lakes.

Location: Including connected Balsam, Haskell, and Scrapper lakes

  • Northern Pike: All from 24-36” must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36”.
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Fish Species

Bluegill
fish
5-13 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Above Avg.
2022
Surveyed
Trapnet
Catch Method
23.4167
0Statewide Range74.0278

Balsam Lake Bluegill abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2016
Jun
2022
Jun
Crappie
fish
5-13 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
High
2022
Surveyed
Trapnet
Catch Method
2.8333
0Statewide Range10.4166

Balsam Lake Crappie abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2016
Jun
2022
Jun
Largemouth bass
fish
5-13 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Low
2022
Surveyed
Gillnet
Catch Method
0.25
0Statewide Range3.6668

Balsam Lake Largemouth bass abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2016
Jun
2022
Jun
Northern pike
fish
5-13 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Below Avg.
2022
Surveyed
Gillnet
Catch Method
6
0Statewide Range19.75

Balsam Lake Northern pike abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2016
Jun
2022
Jun
Perch
fish
5-13 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Above Avg.
2022
Surveyed
Gillnet
Catch Method
4.6667
0Statewide Range43.5833

Balsam Lake Perch abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2016
Jun
2022
Jun
Pumpkinseed
fish
5-13 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Below Avg.
2022
Surveyed
Trapnet
Catch Method
1.5
0Statewide Range8.4166

Balsam Lake Pumpkinseed abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2016
Jun
2022
Jun
Rock bass
fish
5-13 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Below Avg.
2022
Surveyed
Trapnet
Catch Method
0.75
0Statewide Range4.2223

Balsam Lake Rock bass abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2016
Jun
2022
Jun
Walleye
fish
5-13 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Low
2022
Surveyed
Gillnet
Catch Method
0.0833
0Statewide Range16.9168

Balsam Lake Walleye abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2016
Jun
2022
Jun
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized walleye based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
201629