Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best smallmouth bass lakes near Bemidji
The DNR has surveyed smallmouth bass in 11 lakes within 25 miles of Bemidji. The 5 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.
Kabekona Lake is first at B. The DNR caught 4.8 smallmouth bass per hour of electrofishing in the 2024 survey, and the biggest was 20 inches. Movil Lake is second at C+, with 2.9 smallmouth bass per hour of electrofishing in the 2025 survey, and 37% of its smallmouth bass measured over 15 inches. Beltrami Lake is third at C, and its biggest smallmouth bass was 19 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 15" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kabekona Lake | B | 2,433 | 4.8/hr in electrofishing | 33% | 20" | 1.8 lb | 2024 |
| 2 | Movil Lake | C+ | 855 | 2.9/hr in electrofishing | 37% | 18" | 1.4 lb | 2025 |
| 3 | Beltrami Lake | C | 726 | 2/hr in electrofishing | 21% | 19" | 1.5 lb | 2024 |
| 4 | Pike Bay Lake | C | 4,756 | 1.3/hr in electrofishing | 0% | 7" | 0.1 lb | 2025 |
| 5 | Turtle Lake | C− | 1,607 | 1.1/hr in electrofishing | 0% | 13" | 1 lb | 2025 |
Also ranked near Bemidji: Walleye · Northern pike · Muskellunge · Largemouth bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow perch
All of Minnesota: Best smallmouth bass 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.