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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Irving, MN
- How big is Lake Irving?
- How deep is Lake Irving?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Irving?
- What are the closest cities to Lake Irving?
- Are there places to stay in the Lake Irving area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Irving?
- Are there boat launches on Lake Irving?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Irving?
- What is the average air temp for Lake Irving?
- Are there any state parks near Lake Irving?
How big is Lake Irving?
How deep is Lake Irving?
What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Irving?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Lake Whitefish, Logperch, Mimic Shiner, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Lake Irving?
Are there places to stay in the Lake Irving area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Irving?
Are there boat launches on Lake Irving?
Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Irving?
Explore the Lake Irving area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Irving?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Lake Irving is a 661-acre, heavily developed natural lake located in southern Beltrami County, within the city of Bemidji, and on the Mississippi River. Irving has an average water clarity of 2 feet and a maximum depth of 19 feet. Lake Irving has an inlet via the Mississippi River located on the southern shore and an outlet located on the northern shore, connecting to Lake Bemidji. A public access is located near the outlet on the north shore, adjacent to the Bemidji wastewater treatment facility. Boaters can access the lake from Lake Bemidji via the Mississippi River, but should use cation while navigating the river channel due to current bridge structures and old railroad pilings.
A standard survey was completed on Lake Irving in 2022 to assess the fish community. Gamefish species targeted by anglers in this lake include Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Muskellunge, and Largemouth Bass.
Walleye lengths ranged from 7 to 25 inches and averaged around 16 inches. Walleye abundance decreased from 2012, was below the lake's historical average, but still within the typical range for lakes with similar morphological characteristics. The Walleye population is likely sustained from upstream and downstream movement of fish from connected lakes and natural reproduction. A total of 11 year classes were captured, with the 2018 year class being the most abundant.
Northern Pike abundance was below average for the lake but within the typical range for similar lakes in Minnesota. Northern Pike ranged from 15 to 41 inches and averaged 23 inches. Fifty-two percent of the Northern Pike captured in gill nets were larger than 22 inches.
Bluegill abundance was low and within the normal range for this lake type. Bluegill lengths averaged 4 inches, with the largest being 6 inches. It is recommended that anglers keep smaller sunfish and release the larger fish to help improve and maintain the population's size structure. In addition, a few Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass were captured, which is similar to previous surveys.
Yellow Perch are considered important forage species for large predators like Walleye, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. Yellow Perch abundance was slightly below average and lengths ranged from 5 to 11 inches. Other species sampled during the survey included Bowfin (Dogfish), Brown Bullhead, hybrid sunfish, Greater Redhorse, Muskellunge, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Shorthead Redhorse, Tullibee (Cisco), White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.
Currently, Lake Irving is infested with Zebra Mussels, an aquatic invasive species (AIS). AIS can be transferred by anglers and boats from infested to non-infested waterbodies. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. Please follow the current AIS regulations to avoid spreading to other lakes.
What is the average air temp for Lake Irving?
Are there any state parks near Lake Irving?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Lake Irving...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Carr Lake | 1.4 mi | 42 | 30 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.0 mi | 10 | |
| Lake Marquette | 2.4 mi | 528 | 51 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.7 mi | 25 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 3.0 mi | 30 | |
| Lake Bemidji | 3.4 mi | 6,595 | 76 ft |
| Grass Lake | 3.9 mi | 235 | |
| Fern Lake | 4.1 mi | 188 | |
| Miller Lake | 4.9 mi | 38 | 24 ft |
| Lake Plantagenet | 5.3 mi | 2,531 | 65 ft |
