The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Balsam Lake
Polk County, Wisconsin · about 1,840 acres (2.9 sq mi)
46°F water, calm this morning.
About Balsam Lake
In Polk County, Wisconsin, Balsam Lake covers about 1,840 acres.
It stretches about 4 miles end to end with roughly 20 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,130 ft above sea level. Balsam Lake is right by the lake.
- Size
- About 1,840 acres (2.9 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 20 miles
- End to end
- About 4 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,130 ft
- County
- Polk County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Wisconsin mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 46°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:06 am · sunset 4:41 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Balsam Lake
- Balsam Lakeon the shore
- Luckabout 6 mi north
- Saint Croix Fallsabout 9 mi southwest
- Taylors Fallsabout 9.8 mi southwest
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Questions about Balsam Lake
What fish are in Balsam Lake?
Lakes like Balsam Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Balsam Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Balsam Lake?
About 1,840 acres, with about 20 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake is on the shore; Luck is about 6 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Balsam Lake today?
The surface was about 46°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Balsam Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
