Arrowhead Lake

Arrowhead is unlike any other lake on the chain. It covers about 296 acres and is no deeper than 13 feet anywhere, so the DNR counts the entire lake as littoral, the shallow zone where plants grow. Average clarity is about 6.5 feet.

It connects to Upper Whitefish through a channel at its west end, so owners get a calm, sheltered lake at home with the big water of Whitefish a short ride away.

Where it sits on the chain

Arrowhead lies near Manhattan Beach on the north side of the chain. Its channel opens into Upper Whitefish, the upstream end of the chain.

Being shallow and protected, Arrowhead rarely builds big waves, which suits paddleboards, kayaks and small boats.

Fishing: what the DNR found

Northern pike were abundant in 2024 (21 per net), averaging 20.5 inches with fish to nearly 33 inches. Only one walleye was caught, a 26-incher.

Panfish are the story. Every crappie the DNR sampled was at least 10 inches, with fish to 13.7 inches, a big jump from the previous survey. Bluegill had excellent size too, with fish over 10 inches. The DNR notes the early-June timing may have helped, but anglers who like panfish should take note.

What it is like to own here

Arrowhead suits buyers who want calm water and great panfishing more than deep swimming. Expect more plant growth, softer bottoms in places and warmer water in summer than on the deep lakes.

Docks often need extra length to reach boating depth, and it is smart to ask about weed growth near the dock in late summer.

Getting on the water

No public launch. Arrowhead is reached by a channel at its west end from Upper Whitefish.

Rules every owner on the chain should know

• Panfish limits: since 2021 the Whitefish Chain has a special daily limit of 5 sunfish and 5 crappie, to protect panfish size.
• Northern pike: the chain is in the DNR's north-central pike zone. All pike from 22 to 26 inches must be released right away, and you may keep no more than 2 over 26 inches (possession limit 10). Check the current regulations each season.
• Aquatic invasive species: zebra mussels are present in the chain. Before you leave any access, remove plants and animals from boats and trailers, pull the plug and drain all water, including bilges, livewells and bait wells. Plan to check docks, lifts and boat hulls when equipment comes out each fall.
• Building, docks and septic: shoreland setbacks, impervious-surface limits, vegetation and septic rules are set by Crow Wing County. Confirm what a specific lot allows with the county before you buy or plan a project.

Buying on Arrowhead Lake: what to check

• Depth off the dock. This is a shallower lake, so ask how long the dock is and how deep the water is at the end of it in late summer.
• Bottom type at the waterline: sand, rock, or soft bottom with plants. It decides how you will use the shore.
• Which way the frontage faces and how exposed it is to wind and wakes; west-facing lots get the sunsets.
• Boat access. There is no public launch on this lake, so plan where you will launch or keep a boat at your dock.
• Dock, lift and boat condition, including zebra mussel buildup, and what stays with the sale.
• Septic compliance, well, and what Crow Wing County allows for additions, garages or a new build on the lot.

Selling on Arrowhead Lake

Lake homes sell on the water as much as on the house: frontage, bottom, depth off the dock, exposure and the view all move the price, and so does how the home is presented. If you are thinking about selling, start with a private valuation. It stays between us, and you decide how far the sale travels from there.

Questions about Arrowhead Lake

More lakes on the chain