Balsam

Itasca County, Minnesota — DOW #31025900

156 Surveys

Special Regulations for Balsam

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". (Including connected Balsam, Haskell, and Scrapper lakes)

715.83

Acres

37 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Balsam. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.79 lb	1
1992-06-29	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.5	1.04 lb	10
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	1.1 (normal)	0.3 – 2.2	0.66 lb	13
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.71 lb	1
1987-06-22	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.2	0.95 lb	2
1987-06-22	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.95 lb	2
1973-08-13	Standard trap nets	2.6 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.81 lb	21
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.5	1.77 lb	3

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard gill nets	6.0 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.95 lb	72
2022-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	2.99 lb	2
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	5.7 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	1.80 lb	68
1992-06-29	Standard trap nets	0.6	—	2.64 lb	7
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	8.0 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.58 lb	96
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	1.4	—	2.75 lb	16
1987-06-22	Standard gill nets	10.4 (above normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.78 lb	94
1973-08-13	Standard gill nets	3.5 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.86 lb	14
1973-08-13	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	2.92 lb	6
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	3.03 lb	30
1978-07-18	Standard trap nets	0.7	—	2.85 lb	8
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	9.7 (above normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.23 lb	116
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	7.1 (normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.09 lb	85
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	1.1	—	1.82 lb	13
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	9.4 (above normal)	3.1 – 8.5	2.24 lb	113

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.52 lb	10
2022-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.20 lb	9
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.48 lb	5
1992-06-29	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.39 lb	11
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.34 lb	5
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.36 lb	15
1987-06-22	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.34 lb	5
1973-08-13	Standard trap nets	1.1 (normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.33 lb	9
1978-07-18	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.25 lb	4
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.25 lb	10
2006-06-26	Survey seining	0.5	—	—	2
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.33 lb	6
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.6 – 2.5	0.59 lb	4
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 2.0	0.32 lb	5

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.4 (below normal)	1.5 – 7.7	0.72 lb	5
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.9 – 10.0	1.28 lb	1
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.6 (below normal)	1.5 – 7.7	0.82 lb	7

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	1.3 – 5.5	6.12 lb	1
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	1.0 (below normal)	1.3 – 5.5	3.18 lb	12
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	1.3 – 5.5	3.84 lb	4
1987-06-22	Standard gill nets	0.4 (below normal)	1.3 – 5.5	3.35 lb	4
1987-06-22	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.50 lb	1
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.4 (below normal)	1.3 – 5.5	3.60 lb	4
1978-07-18	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	7.80 lb	1
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.5 (below normal)	1.3 – 5.5	4.06 lb	6
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.9 (below normal)	1.3 – 5.5	4.30 lb	11
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.00 lb	1
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	1.3 – 5.5	2.27 lb	4

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.58 lb	1
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.46 lb	1

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	1.68 lb	3
2022-06-27	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	1.81 lb	2
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	2.50 lb	1
1992-06-29	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	1.65 lb	2
2016-06-13	Standard electrofishing	20.2	—	1.76 lb	33
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	0.67 lb	2
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	3.80 lb	2
1987-06-22	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.1	0.10 lb	1
1987-06-22	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	2.00 lb	1
1973-08-13	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	1.25 lb	6
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	0.95 lb	2
1978-07-18	Standard trap nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.1	0.78 lb	15
2006-06-26	Standard electrofishing	13.7	—	0.84 lb	26
2006-06-26	Survey seining	5.3	—	—	21
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	1.81 lb	2
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.1	1.20 lb	4

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard gill nets	3.3	—	0.07 lb	40
2022-06-27	Standard trap nets	23.4 (normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.19 lb	281
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	1.2	—	0.14 lb	14
1992-06-29	Standard trap nets	13.1 (normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.20 lb	157
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.5	—	0.15 lb	6
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	22.1 (normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.12 lb	243
1987-06-22	Standard trap nets	18.7 (normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.15 lb	112
1987-06-22	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.20 lb	1
1973-08-13	Standard trap nets	15.8 (normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.27 lb	126
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.7	—	0.12 lb	6
1978-07-18	Standard trap nets	20.9 (normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.21 lb	251
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.4	—	0.06 lb	5
2006-06-26	Survey seining	29.5	—	—	118
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	1.2	—	0.14 lb	14
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	40.1 (normal)	5.6 – 42.3	0.12 lb	481
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.12 lb	4

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.04 lb	1
2022-06-27	Standard trap nets	1.5 (below normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.25 lb	18
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.10 lb	2
1992-06-29	Standard trap nets	2.8 (normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.18 lb	33
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.06 lb	3
1987-06-22	Standard trap nets	1.3 (below normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.20 lb	8
1973-08-13	Standard trap nets	1.9 (normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.31 lb	15
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.20 lb	2
1978-07-18	Standard trap nets	1.7 (below normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.19 lb	20
2006-06-26	Survey seining	0.8	—	—	3
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.7 – 8.2	0.30 lb	8

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.85 lb	14
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	9.1 (above normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.73 lb	109
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.61 lb	20
1987-06-22	Standard gill nets	6.4 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	1.00 lb	58
1973-08-13	Standard gill nets	5.8 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.91 lb	23
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	14.2 (above normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.82 lb	128
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	3.8 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.98 lb	45
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	7.7 (above normal)	0.7 – 6.5	1.08 lb	92
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	0.7 – 6.5	0.82 lb	39

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard gill nets	4.1 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.40 lb	49
2022-06-27	Standard trap nets	2.8 (normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.32 lb	34
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	7.9 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.28 lb	95
1992-06-29	Standard trap nets	1.6 (normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.25 lb	19
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	4.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.36 lb	51
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	4.8 (above normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.27 lb	53
1987-06-22	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.31 lb	18
1987-06-22	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.32 lb	6
1973-08-13	Standard gill nets	3.5 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.18 lb	14
1973-08-13	Standard trap nets	3.8 (above normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.23 lb	30
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	5.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.27 lb	48
1978-07-18	Standard trap nets	5.5 (above normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.23 lb	66
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	2.9 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.19 lb	35
2006-06-26	Survey seining	3.5	—	—	14
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	2.6 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.41 lb	31
2006-06-26	Standard trap nets	2.7 (normal)	0.7 – 3.2	0.33 lb	32
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.40 lb	4

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2022-06-27	Standard gill nets	4.7 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.09 lb	56
1992-06-29	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.09 lb	8
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.09 lb	9
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	1.8 (below normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.09 lb	22
1987-06-22	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.07 lb	4
1987-06-22	Standard gill nets	3.7 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.08 lb	33
1978-07-18	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.7	0.20 lb	2
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	2.9 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.12 lb	26
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	2.2 (below normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.14 lb	26
2006-06-26	Survey seining	10.5	—	—	42
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	3.4 (normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.08 lb	41
2008-06-23	Standard gill nets	1.4 (below normal)	2.5 – 24.2	0.09 lb	17

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1992-06-29	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.67 lb	18
2016-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.5	4.39 lb	1
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.54 lb	1
1987-06-22	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.58 lb	11
1973-08-13	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.50 lb	2
1973-08-13	Standard trap nets	1.5 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.0	2.88 lb	12
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	0.5 – 3.5	1.08 lb	12
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.5	3.09 lb	1
2006-06-26	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.5	2.37 lb	2

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-06-13	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.7	0.10 lb	1
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 5.1	0.07 lb	1
2006-06-26	Survey seining	88.8	—	—	355

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1978-07-18	Standard trap nets	3.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 2.8	0.73 lb	39
1978-07-18	Standard gill nets	0.4 (below normal)	0.6 – 9.5	0.93 lb	4
2011-06-13	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.6 – 9.5	1.51 lb	1

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2006-06-26	Survey seining	38.0	—	152

BCS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2006-06-26	Survey seining	21.3	—	85

LES

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2006-06-26	Survey seining	0.8	—	3

Johnny Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2006-06-26	Survey seining	0.3	—	1

Tadpole Madtom

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2006-06-26	Survey seining	0.3	—	1

Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2006-06-26	Survey seining	3.5	—	14

BNS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2006-06-26	Survey seining	51.3	—	205

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Marinas

Bass Lake public Water Access - Whispering Pines

Grand Rapids, MN

★ 3

Grand Rapids Marine

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-0351

★ 4.3

Grand Rapids Marine

Grand Rapids, MN

Marine Clinic

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 244-4281

★ 4.9

Mishawaka Outdoors LLC

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 812-8888

NorthStar Barge

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 269-0566

★ 5

Resorts & Lodges Near Balsam

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Balsam.

Anchor Inn Resort

Fishing Resort Spring Lake

(218) 659-2718

Birch Haven Resort Closed

Fishing Resort Bovey

(218) 910-9707

Bowen Lodge

Fishing Resort Deer River

(218) 246-8707

Loon Point Resort

Fishing Resort Bigfork

(218) 245-1470

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Balsam. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Crappie Bluegill Brown Bullhead Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Northern Sunfish Pumpkinseed Rock Bass Tullibee (Cisco)Walleye White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Balsam

Bro's Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(218) 340-6051

Early Bird Fishing Guide Jeff Sundin

Fishing Guide

(218) 245-9858

Grand Rapids Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(218) 259-7140

Minnesota Fishing Connections

Fishing Guide

(218) 259-2628

MN Fishing Pros

Fishing Guide

(218) 244-2517

Moo Moo's Guide Service

Fishing Guide

(218) 398-7593

View all 9 guides →

Other Lakes in Itasca County

Plan Your Trip to Balsam

Weather forecast for Balsam — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 47.5317°N, 93.4151°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.

Balsam

Special Regulations for Balsam

DNR Fish Surveys

Brown Bullhead

Northern Pike

Rock Bass

Yellow Bullhead

Walleye

Hybrid Sunfish

Largemouth Bass

Bluegill

Pumpkinseed

Tullibee (Cisco)

Black Crappie

Yellow Perch

White Sucker

Golden Shiner

Black Bullhead

Bluntnose Minnow

BCS

LES

Johnny Darter

Tadpole Madtom

Sunfish

BNS

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Best Bet Waxworm Wholesale Bait & Breeder Kits

Bite Me Waxworms Wholesale Bait Shop

Diamond Custom Rods

Fred's Live Bait & Tackle

Frontier Sports

Glen's Army & Navy Store

God's Country Outfitters

Hollywood Bait

Nearby Marinas

Bass Lake public Water Access - Whispering Pines

Grand Rapids Marine

Grand Rapids Marine

Marine Clinic

Mishawaka Outdoors LLC

NorthStar Barge

Resorts & Lodges Near Balsam

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Balsam

Other Lakes in Itasca County

Alice

Allen

Amen

Anderson

Ann

Antler

Plan Your Trip to Balsam