Bertha Lake

Bertha is a compact lake of about 337 acres with under four miles of shore, a maximum depth of 64 feet and average clarity of about 15.6 feet. The DNR notes something that sets it apart: walleye and pike numbers may not be high, but big fish are common.

With no public launch, Bertha is reached by channel from Whitefish or from Clamshell Lake, which keeps it quiet.

Where it sits on the chain

Bertha sits between the Whitefish basin and Clamshell Lake, on the Jenkins side of the chain. Channels on both sides make it easy to reach the rest of the chain by boat.

Less than half of Bertha is 15 feet deep or less, so it has both weedy edges and plenty of deeper water.

Fishing: what the DNR found

In the 2024 survey walleye were average in number but large: average length 24.4 inches, with fish to 28.4 inches. Northern pike were similar, with 29% at 26 inches or longer.

The DNR credits cisco for the size of the predators. Cisco numbers dipped in 2024 (6.2 per net) from the prior survey but have been as high as 31.2 per net. Walleye aren't stocked directly; they move in from the chain-wide stocking.

What it is like to own here

Bertha offers a small-lake feel, clear water and a reputation among anglers for quality fish. Without a public launch, boat traffic is mostly owners and people passing through the channels.

Frontage is limited by the short shoreline. Check dock depth and bottom type, and look at how close a lot is to a channel if you want either quiet or quick access.

Getting on the water

No public launch. Reach Bertha by channel from Whitefish or from Clamshell Lake.

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 Bertha Lake: what to check

• Shore slope and stairs. Deep lakes often mean steeper lots; walk from the cabin to the dock before you fall for the view.
• 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 Bertha 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 Bertha Lake

More lakes on the chain