Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best muskellunge lakes in Beltrami County
The DNR has surveyed muskellunge in 5 lakes in Beltrami County. The 4 ranked below are the ones that earn a grade on this site. Grades come from survey catch rates, fish size and trophy history, scored the same way for every lake on the live map.
Cass Lake is first at B+. Its biggest muskellunge in the survey was 31 inches. Big Lake is second at B. 77% of its muskellunge measured over 40 inches. Bemidji (main lake) is third at B−, and its biggest muskellunge was 50 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 40" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cass Lake | B+ | 15,958 | — | 0% | 31" | 4 lb | 2025 |
| 2 | Big Lake | B | 3,598 | — | 77% | 50" | 21.7 lb | 2025 |
| 3 | Bemidji (main lake) | B− | 6,596 | — | 100% | 50" | — | 2022 |
| 4 | Kitchi Lake | B− | 1,865 | — | 100% | 43" | 20.2 lb | 2024 |
Also ranked in Beltrami County: Walleye · Northern pike · Largemouth bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow perch
All of Minnesota: Best muskellunge lakes in Minnesota
Grades are based on Minnesota DNR survey data: how many fish the DNR caught (scaled by lake size), how many reached quality size, and the biggest fish measured. Each lake's page has the numbers behind its grade. The table shows each lake's most recent survey year.