Bemidji (main lake)

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Bemidji (main lake) Lake on August 7th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 33.3 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 30.6 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 19.9 degrees C (67.8 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 4 years, between 2006-2022, indicate unsuitable oxythermal habitat across all surveys. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Bemidji (main lake) Lake on August 7th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 33.3 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 30.6 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 19.9 degrees C (67.8 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 4 years, between 2006-2022, indicate unsuitable oxythermal habitat across all surveys. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Lake Bemidji is a 6,596-acre lake with a maximum depth of 76 feet located adjacent to the city of Bemidji in southern Beltrami County. There are a total of six public boat landings located around the lake. Accessible fishing piers are located at the inlet of the lake near downtown Bemidji and at Lake Bemidji State Park. Lake Bemidji is part of a connected system of lakes which includes Lake Irving upstream and Stump Lake downstream on the Mississippi River. Both of these lakes are readily accessible by boat from Lake Bemidji and provide additional angling opportunities. The lake is managed primarily for Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike and Muskellunge. The 2022 catch rate for Walleye was just under 14 fish/gill net which is well above the average for most area lakes. Lengths averaged just over 13 inches and the largest captured during the 2022 survey was over 24 inches. Multiple strong year classes were observed indicating a robust population which continues to keep up despite being one of the most popular Walleye lakes in the area. Night electrofishing for juvenile Walleyes revealed an abundance of smaller fish that will reach catchable sizes in two to three years. Lake Bemidji is well known for its quality Muskellunge population. Muskies were targeted specifically in the spring of 2022 via night electrofishing. A total of 46 adult muskies were measured with the largest just under 55 inches in length. Impressively, the overall average length was just under 48 inches. Northern Pike continue to maintain a quality population in Bemidji. Pike averaged almost 4 pounds and the largest captured in the 2022 assessment was over 38 inches long. The pike population is thriving with many fish larger than the 22-26 inch north-central zone protected slot which can provide great open water action or a memorable encounter from the surface of the ice. The Yellow Perch catch rate was over 30 fish/gill net which is comparable to most area lakes. Yellow Perch averaged over 7 inches in length and fish over 10 inches were captured in the survey, though anglers have reported catching larger fish at times. Perch are one of the most important forage species for Walleye, muskies, and pike. Other species captured in this survey were Rock Bass, Tullibee (Cisco), White Sucker, Bullhead species, redhorse, and a variety of sunfish species. Lake Bemidji is infested with zebra mussels and the aquatic plant, starry stonewort. Both are aquatic invasive species (AIS). AIS can be transferred by anglers and boats from infested to non-infested waterbodies. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. Please follow the current AIS regulations to avoid spreading to other lakes.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Muskellunge, Walleye, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, and Black Crappie in Bemidji (main lake). See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Bemidji (main lake). Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Bemidji (main lake) has a maximum depth of 76 feet and a mean depth of 34 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bemidji (main lake) is from 2022.

Yes — Bemidji (main lake) has confirmed starry stonewort and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.