Pokegama Lake, Itasca County Fishing
Itasca County, 6,721 acres, 112 feet deep.
Pick for walleyePiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo: Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA 3.0
First look at Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
The DNR lists Pokegama Lake, Itasca County as a lake covering 6,721 acres in Itasca County. Soundings put the deepest water at 112 feet. About 29% of the lake, 1,978 acres, is under 15 feet deep. About 4 miles separate the lake from Grand Rapids. Surveys come from the Grand Rapids area fisheries office. The DNR muskie layer tags it introduced.
DNR surveys have recorded walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. Anglers launch from 7 public water accesses. The newest catch data come from a standard survey on July 27, 2015. Walleye numbers, 4.67 per gill net, landed within the range the DNR expects (4.0-9.6). The DNR ice-out median is April 27 (69 records).
For the walleye herePiscifun AlumiX spinning reel46% OFFSale $64.99 Fish counts from the last Pokegama Lake, Itasca County survey
These rows come from the standard survey on July 27, 2015; the normal range is the DNR range for lakes of the same class.
| Species | Gear | Caught | Per set | Normal range | Avg lb | Normal lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Standard gill nets | 70 | 4.67 | 4.0-9.6 | 2.17 | 1.1-1.9 |
| Walleye | Standard trap nets | 4 | 0.29 | 0.3-0.9 | 4.41 | 1.0-2.2 |
| Northern pike | Standard gill nets | 147 | 9.8 | 3.0-7.9 | 2.48 | 1.7-2.8 |
| Northern pike | Standard trap nets | 7 | 0.5 | 2.4 | ||
| Yellow perch | Standard gill nets | 72 | 4.8 | 7.1-33.9 | 0.15 | 0.1-0.2 |
| Yellow perch | Standard trap nets | 16 | 1.14 | 0.7-3.7 | 0.19 | 0.1-0.2 |
| Black crappie | Standard gill nets | 20 | 1.33 | 0.2-1.1 | 0.42 | 0.2-0.5 |
| Black crappie | Standard trap nets | 8 | 0.57 | 0.3-1.7 | 0.59 | 0.3-0.6 |
| Bluegill | Standard gill nets | 127 | 8.47 | 0.17 | ||
| Bluegill | Standard trap nets | 249 | 17.79 | 3.7-42.9 | 0.09 | 0.1-0.2 |
| Largemouth bass | Standard gill nets | 21 | 1.4 | 0.3-1.2 | 0.92 | 0.6-1.0 |
| Largemouth bass | Standard trap nets | 4 | 0.29 | 0.4-1.4 | 0.66 | 0.3-0.7 |
Gill net totals, Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder lake survey data, survey report. Checked October 2026.
The Pokegama Lake, Itasca County fishery in the DNR report
“Pokegama Lake is located next to Grand Rapids, Minnesota.”
“The lake has seven public accesses and is highly developed.”
“The 2011 lake management plan (LMP) indicates Walleye, Muskellunge and Northern Pike as the primary species of management with Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass as secondary species.”
“A standard survey was conducted in July of 2015 to assess the fish community.”
Quoted from the DNR status of the fishery for Pokegama Lake (report). Checked October 2026.
Where trailers back down on Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
- Pokegama Lake, Golf Course Rd Access2 ramps, 11 trailer stalls, 1 dock, City of Cohasset
- Pokegama Lake , Casper Access1 ramp, 4 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, Harris Township
- Pokegama Lake, Laplant Rd Access1 ramp, 4 trailer stalls, Harris Township
- Pokegama Lake, Mishawaka Landing Access1 ramp, 6 trailer stalls, 1 dock, Harris Township
- Pokegama Lake, Sherry's Arm Access1 ramp, 7 trailer stalls, Itasca County
- Pokegama Lake, Tioga Access1 ramp, 10 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR alert posted, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Pokegama Lake, Wood Tick Access1 ramp, 2 trailer stalls, Harris Township
Fishing Pokegama Lake, Itasca County from shore
- Pokegama Lake Fishing Pierfishing pier, City of Cohasset
Pokegama Lake, Itasca County sub-basins
- Pokegama (Main Bay)DNR 31053201
- Pokegama (Wendigo)DNR 31053202
Accesses a short drive from Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
- Mississippi River, Sylvan Bay AccessMississippi River, 3 miles north
- Mississippi River, Steamboat Landing AccessMississippi River, 3 miles northeast
- Forest Lake AccessForest, 3 miles north
- Mississippi River, Izaak Walton Park AccessMississippi River, 4 miles north
- Tioga Mine Pit AccessTioga Mine Pit, 4 miles northwest
- Hale Lake AccessHale, 4 miles north
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Public Fishing Sites layers and LakeFinder, checked October 2026.
Depth and shape of Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
Since 2010, 13 Secchi readings have been recorded on Pokegama Lake, Itasca County.
The earliest ice-out on record for Pokegama Lake, Itasca County came March 27, 2012; the latest, May 17, 2013.
DNR LakeFinder morphology and water clarity, DNR ice-out records (ice-out data), checked October 2026.
Pokegama Lake, Itasca County elevation
US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District (CWMS), reading for Oct 16, 2026. Retrieved Oct 19, 2026 8:33 pm ET. Not updated since Oct 16, 2026.
USACE St. Paul District series Pokegama Lake, Pokegama Lake level (lake gauge); datum NGVD-29. Reading on file 1,273.09 ft on 2026-10-19.
US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District (CWMS), reading for Oct 16, 2026. Retrieved Oct 19, 2026 8:33 pm ET. Not updated since Oct 16, 2026.
USACE St. Paul District series Pokegama Lake Dam, Pokegama Dam pool; datum NGVD-29. Reading on file 1,272.9 ft on 2026-10-19.
The Pokegama Lake, Itasca County level history is a DNR volunteer gauge series, not a live feed.
DNR lake level record (datum NGVD 29).
Fish on record for Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
Species for Pokegama Lake, Itasca County come from DNR survey nets, so small or rare fish may be missing.
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder species list and survey catch.
Bag and size limits on Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
Special and experimental regulations on Pokegama Lake, Itasca County:
| Species | Regulation | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sunfish | Daily limit five. |
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
Map position places Pokegama Lake, Itasca County in the North-central Zone for pike and bass.
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations and LakeFinder special regulations, checked October 2026. All Minnesota limits.
Competition on Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
Open the Pokegama Lake, Itasca County tournament page for dates and results.
Pokegama Lake, Itasca County compared with its neighbors
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Accesses | Walleye per gill net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokegama Lake, Itasca County | 6,721 | 112 | 7 | 4.67 | |
| Horseshoe Lake near Grand Rapids, Itasca County | 2 miles north | 142 | 11 | 0 | |
| Blandin Lake near Grand Rapids, Itasca County | 3 miles north | 490 | 38 | 0 | 0.67 |
| Forest Lake, Itasca County | 4 miles north | 37 | 31 | 1 | |
| Cavanaugh Lake | 4 miles northwest | 55 | 48 | 0 | 0.17 |
| Tioga Mine Pit | 4 miles northwest | 49 | 225 | 1 |
DNR LakeFinder morphology, access layer and latest survey per lake.
Close by Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
Lakes a short haul from Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
- Horseshoe Lake near Grand Rapids, Itasca County2 miles north
- Blandin Lake near Grand Rapids, Itasca County3 miles north
- Forest Lake, Itasca County4 miles north
- Cavanaugh Lake4 miles northwest
- Tioga Mine Pit4 miles northwest
Bait counters serving Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
- L&M Fleet Supplyfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Grand Rapids, 2 miles
- Ben's Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Grand Rapids, 3 miles
- Thousand Lakes Sporting Goodssporting goods store, Grand Rapids, 3 miles
- River Rat Baitbait and tackle shop, Cohasset, 9 miles
- Hollywood Baitbait and tackle shop, Bovey, 9 miles
- The Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Deer River, 15 miles
Places to bunk near Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
- Grand Rapids4 miles
- La Prairie4 miles
- Cohasset6 miles
Minnesota counties sharing Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
- Itasca Countyseat: Grand Rapids
Spinning and baitcasting picks for Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Species in the nets at Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
Photo: Georg Mittenecker, CC BY-SA 2.5
Photo: Fizzishin, CC BY 4.0
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
_(53084649608).jpg){kind=link}
Photo: Rob Foster, CC BY 4.0
Answers before you launch on Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
Where does Pokegama Lake, Itasca County sit on a Minnesota map?
The lake point falls in Itasca County, managed from the Grand Rapids fisheries office, about 4 miles from Grand Rapids.
What acreage does LakeFinder give Pokegama Lake, Itasca County?
6,721 surface acres, 112 feet at the deepest.
Where is the public access on Pokegama Lake, Itasca County?
The DNR layer lists 7 public accesses; Pokegama Lake, Golf Course Rd Access is a good start.
Is Pokegama Lake, Itasca County a good panfish lake?
walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, per DNR surveys.
Is Pokegama Lake, Itasca County above normal for walleye?
A standard survey on July 27, 2015; walleye ran 4.67 per gill net.
Is Pokegama Lake, Itasca County under experimental regulations?
Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Do I need a Minnesota license for Pokegama Lake, Itasca County?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
When does Pokegama Lake, Itasca County freeze and thaw?
Around April 27 in most years; May 6, 2023 last time.
Where can I buy minnows near Pokegama Lake, Itasca County?
Closest on our list: L&M Fleet Supply, 2 miles.
Hook up the trailer for Pokegama Lake, Itasca County
The license page lists every Minnesota limit.