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
Birch Lake
St. Louis County, Minnesota · about 6,350 acres (9.9 sq mi)
40°F water, calm this morning.
About Birch Lake
In St. Louis County, Minnesota, Birch Lake covers about 6,350 acres.
From end to end it runs about 12.5 miles with roughly 70 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,420 ft above sea level. Babbitt is about 1.2 miles southwest. The closest city is Duluth, about 65 miles away.
- Size
- About 6,350 acres (9.9 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 70 miles
- End to end
- About 12.5 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,420 ft
- County
- St. Louis County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 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
For a lake of this size in Minnesota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 40°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 7:10 am · sunset 4:31 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Birch Lake
- Babbittabout 1.2 mi southwest
- Elyabout 7.2 mi northwest
- Hoyt Lakesabout 17 mi southwest
- Auroraabout 19 mi southwest
- Duluthnearest city, about 65 mi south
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Questions about Birch Lake
What fish are in Birch Lake?
Lakes like Birch 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 Birch 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 Birch Lake?
About 6,350 acres, with about 70 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Birch Lake?
Babbitt is about 1.2 miles southwest; Ely is about 7.2 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Birch Lake today?
The surface was about 40°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Birch Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
