Top 20 Lakes in Itasca County, MN

Best Lakes for Living, Fishing, and Lake Life in 2025

Itasca County is home to over 1,000 lakes, making it one of the best places in Minnesota for lake living, cabin getaways, or waterfront investing. But let’s be real—not all lakes are created equal. Some are buzzing with boats and sandbars, while others are glassy, quiet, and perfect for a peaceful cast and a loon call.

Here are my top 20 lakes in Itasca County, grouped by what they’re best known for—Fishing, Social Life, or a Balanced Mix of Both—with lake size, depth, and some personal insight along the way.

Best Lakes for Fishing

1. Bowstring Lake

Size: 9,528 acres
Max Depth: 32 ft

Bowstring is an absolute go-to for serious anglers. It’s loaded with walleye, crappie, and northern, and the layout makes it easy to find structure. Resorts dot the shoreline, but it never feels crowded. A true fisherman’s lake from spring through late fall.

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2. Cut Foot Sioux Lake

Size: 2,771 acres
Max Depth: 78 ft

This lake is connected to Lake Winnie, so it’s part of a massive system full of fish. It’s calm, quiet, and loaded with walleye. If you want to fish all day without wake boats buzzing by, this is your spot.

3. Rice Lake

Size: 1,029 acres
Max Depth: 19 ft

Shallow and rich in vegetation, Rice Lake is heaven for panfish lovers and duck hunters. You won’t see much traffic here, just calm mornings and steady bites. Bring your jon boat and a thermos.

4. Split Hand Lake

Size: 2,280 acres
Max Depth: 39 ft

This lake’s a hidden gem for folks who want fish without the fuss. It’s not flashy, but the fishing is top-notch, and the peaceful surroundings make it feel like your own private lake.

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5. Lawrence Lake

Size: 436 acres
Max Depth: 85 ft

Don’t let the size fool you—Lawrence is deep and packed with great structure. It’s a quieter lake that’s awesome for bass and crappie fishing. Very few people out here, and that’s kind of the point.

6. Shallow Lake

Size: 306 acres
Max Depth: 20 ft

The name says it all. This one’s great for bluegill and largemouth, especially if you like fishing with the kids or hitting calm pockets. No wake? No problem.

7. Turtle Lake

Size: 2,084 acres
Max Depth: 28 ft

Shallow and full of weed beds, this lake is a bass fisher’s dream. It's quiet and packed with wildlife. You’ll see more loons than people—and that’s exactly why people love it.

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Best Lakes for Social & Recreational Life

8. Pokegama Lake

Size: 6,612 acres
Max Depth: 112 ft

Pokegama is Grand Rapids’ party lake. You’ll find sandbars, pontoons, water skiing, and lakeside restaurants—oh, and great fishing too. It’s where you go when you want action on and off the water.

9. Deer Lake

Size: 4,094 acres
Max Depth: 121 ft

They call it the “Lake of Changing Colors” for a reason—Deer Lake’s bright blue waters are insanely beautiful. You’ll find big lake homes, jet skis, and water toys everywhere in the summer. It’s scenic, social, and stunning.

10. Bass Lake

Size: 2,715 acres
Max Depth: 76 ft

Just outside of Grand Rapids, Bass Lake is perfect for families and weekenders. The sandy shoreline is great for swimming, and the calm bays are ideal for paddleboarding. It’s a little more chill than Pokegama, but still very active.

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11. Sand Lake

Size: 3,579 acres
Max Depth: 70 ft

With multiple resorts and cabins, Sand Lake stays busy in the summer—but not overwhelming. It’s got a clean bottom, fun layout, and room for tubing, skiing, and relaxing at the dock. Classic cabin lake energy.

12. Swan Lake

Size: 1,684 acres
Max Depth: 65 ft

This is one of those “something for everyone” lakes. It has areas perfect for fishing and others where you’ll see floaties and pontoons all summer long. It strikes a good balance between social and scenic.

Balanced Lakes – The Best of Both Worlds

13. Wabana Lake

Size: 2,215 acres
Max Depth: 115 ft

Wabana is a peaceful lake with some of the clearest water in the state. It’s not overly social, but you’ll see a few cruisers on the weekends. Fantastic for swimming, kayaking, and catching a few walleye on a quiet evening.

14. Trout Lake

Size: 1,854 acres
Max Depth: 132 ft

Trout Lake near Coleraine offers scenic bluffs, deep water, and a good mix of lake fun and serious fishing. It’s ideal for families who want to fish in the morning and ski in the afternoon.

15. Little Jay Gould Lake

Size: 272 acres
Max Depth: 33 ft

This cozy lake connects to Pokegama, which means you can get to all the action when you want it—and escape when you don’t. Great for fishing, relaxing, and quiet mornings with a coffee on the dock.

16. Big Balsam Lake

Size: 2,529 acres
Max Depth: 74 ft

Big Balsam has clear water, a quiet atmosphere, and some of the best sunsets you’ll find in the county. It’s not too busy but not dead either. Perfect for long weekend getaways or peaceful full-time living.

17. Bluewater Lake

Size: 366 acres
Max Depth: 102 ft

Tucked away and known for its striking blue hue, Bluewater is a peaceful place with a deep bottom and very little noise. It’s ideal for kayaking, reading, and sipping something cold under the pines.

18. Johnson Lake

Size: 407 acres
Max Depth: 61 ft

Johnson Lake is the kind of place that feels like a secret. It’s small, clean, and perfect for those looking to unwind and unplug. No sandbars, just serenity.

19. Moose Lake

Size: 1,272 acres
Max Depth: 36 ft

This one’s got “Up North” written all over it. Rustic cabins, calm water, good fishing, and the occasional loon call. If you’re looking for lake vibes without big crowds, this is it.

20. Little Bass Lake

Size: 264 acres
Max Depth: 49 ft

Little Bass is all about peace and quiet. It’s not for wakeboarding—it’s for floating in an inner tube with zero stress. A great hidden gem just outside the Grand Rapids area.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for boating and bonfires, trophy fish, or just a place to relax with your family, Itasca County has a lake for you. And if you're thinking about buying or selling on any of these lakes, I’d love to help you find the perfect fit.

Text or call me at (218) 259-9837
Email: malcolm@exehomes.com
Let’s make lake life your life.

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