Beltrami

In spring 2021, a daily bag limit reduction for sunfish (5 fish/day) was implemented on Lake Beltrami as part of the statewide Quality Sunfish Initiative (QSI). The goal of this special regulation is to maintain or improve Bluegill size structure by reducing angler harvest. In order to evaluate effectiveness of the regulation, Bluegill populations on many QSI lakes are periodically assessed. Primary data of interest include size structure metrics as well as age structure and growth information. Because age and growth data were recorded recently for Beltrami in 2020, these data were not collected in 2024. On June 10, 2024, night electrofishing was conducted on Lake Beltrami. Surface water temperatures were in the low to mid-sixties; Bluegill was the only species collected. During 44 minutes of on-time, 193 Bluegill were captured, resulting in a catch rate of 264 fish/hour. Lengths ranged from 3 to 9 inches with an average size of 5.2 inches. Only seven fish were larger than eight inches, representing 3.6 percent of the sample. In 2020, the overall catch rate was much higher but size structure was very similar.

A temperature-dissolved oxygen profile was collected in the deepest basin on Beltrami Lake on August 10, 2023, to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Based on the profile, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 16 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 22.5 feet, which was within the thermocline, at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 17.3°C (63.1°F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.5°C indicate that oxythermal conditions are favorable for Cisco. Dissolved oxygen concentrations indicate that suitable oxythermal habitat for Cisco was available across a range of depths at the time of sampling during the summer of 2023. Data collected in 1988-2013 further indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in most years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2006. When adequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are not squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore do not experience higher levels of stress.

A temperature-dissolved oxygen profile was collected in the deepest basin on Beltrami Lake on August 10, 2023, to evaluate the amount of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee. Based on the profile, the top of the thermocline (i.e., the location in the water column with the sharpest transition from warm to cold water) occurred at approximately 16 feet. Dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L at 22.5 feet, which was within the thermocline, at the time of sampling. The temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to below 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 17.3°C (63.1°F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.5°C indicate that oxythermal conditions are favorable for Cisco. Dissolved oxygen concentrations indicate that suitable oxythermal habitat for Cisco was available across a range of depths at the time of sampling during the summer of 2023. Data collected in 1988-2013 further indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in most years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2006. When adequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are not squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and therefore do not experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass in Beltrami. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Beltrami. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Beltrami has a maximum depth of 50 feet and a mean depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Beltrami is from 2021.

Yes — Beltrami has confirmed starry stonewort. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.