Balsam
Lake County, Minnesota — DOW #38024500
28 Surveys
220.91
Acres
18 ft
Max Depth
9
Fish Species
8
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.
Brook Trout
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-06-28 | Standard trap nets | 2.0 | — | 0.59 lb | 10 |
| 1989-06-28 | Standard gill nets | 20.5 | — | 0.84 lb | 41 |
| 1983-07-26 | Standard trap nets | 2.8 | — | 0.18 lb | 11 |
| 1983-07-26 | Standard gill nets | 9.0 | — | 0.19 lb | 27 |
| 2015-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 7.7 | — | 0.81 lb | 23 |
| 2000-06-19 | Standard trap nets | 5.3 | — | 0.37 lb | 48 |
| 2000-06-19 | Standard gill nets | 8.3 | — | 0.58 lb | 25 |
| 2000-06-19 | 1/4-in trap nets | 1.8 | — | — | 7 |
White Sucker
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-06-28 | Standard trap nets | 2.6 (normal) | 0.8 – 4.4 | 0.71 lb | 13 |
| 1989-06-28 | Standard gill nets | 7.5 (normal) | 2.0 – 11.5 | 1.04 lb | 15 |
| 1983-07-26 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (below normal) | 0.8 – 4.4 | 1.80 lb | 2 |
| 1983-07-26 | Standard gill nets | 8.3 (normal) | 2.0 – 11.5 | 1.40 lb | 25 |
| 2015-06-08 | Standard gill nets | 50.7 (above normal) | 2.0 – 11.5 | 0.99 lb | 152 |
| 2000-06-19 | Standard gill nets | 80.3 (above normal) | 2.0 – 11.5 | 0.83 lb | 241 |
| 2000-06-19 | 1/4-in trap nets | 107.0 | — | — | 428 |
| 2000-06-19 | Standard trap nets | 3.4 (normal) | 0.8 – 4.4 | 0.93 lb | 31 |
FND
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-06-08 | Minnow traps | 62.3 | — | 374 |
| 2000-06-19 | 1/4-in trap nets | 61.3 | — | 245 |
PRD
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-06-08 | Minnow traps | 7.0 | — | 42 |
| 2000-06-19 | 1/4-in trap nets | 5.8 | — | 23 |
Fathead Minnow
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-06-08 | Minnow traps | 12.5 | — | 75 |
| 2000-06-19 | 1/4-in trap nets | 408.8 | — | 1635 |
NRD
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-06-08 | Minnow traps | 0.2 | — | 1 |
| 2000-06-19 | 1/4-in trap nets | 28.8 | — | 115 |
BST
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-06-08 | Minnow traps | 9.3 | — | 56 |
| 2000-06-19 | 1/4-in trap nets | 6.3 | — | 25 |
Iowa Darter
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-06-19 | 1/4-in trap nets | 13.8 | — | 55 |
BNS
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-06-19 | 1/4-in trap nets | 1412.5 | — | 5650 |
Depth Maps & Lake Info
Map & Directions
Get DirectionsShowing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.
Nearby Bait & Tackle
Agate Bay Outfitters LLC
Two Harbors, MN
★ 4.4Boundary Waters Outfitters
Ely, MN
★ 4.9Canadian Border Outfitters
Ely, MN
★ 4.8Granite Gear Inc
Two Harbors, MN
★ 4.7North Country Canoe Outfitters
Ely, MN
★ 4.9Red Rock Wilderness Store
Ely, MN
★ 5Seagren's Home Hardware Outdoors
Two Harbors, MN
★ 4.6Veness Bait & Tackle
Two Harbors, MN
★ 3.9Nearby Marinas
Resorts & Lodges Near Balsam
Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Balsam.
Fish Species
Species known to inhabit Balsam. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Fishing Guides Near Balsam
Boreal Triangle Guide Service
(218) 830-2148
Boundary Waters Fishing Guide
(218) 235-9595
Duluth Superior Charter Fishing with Capt Paul Morris aboard Freedom II
(218) 428-5562
Ely Ice Fishing Company
(218) 365-3466
James Addiction Charter Fishing
(218) 213-8816
Muskie Doom Guide Service
(218) 491-3277
Other Lakes in Lake County
Plan Your Trip to Balsam
- Weather forecast for Balsam — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
- GPS: 47.5378°N, 91.2009°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.