Lake Itasca
About Lake Itasca
Lake Itasca is a 1,065-acre lake near Lake Itasca in Clearwater County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 14.3 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 23 Clearwater County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to black and white crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Pine Ridge Campground and Bear Paw Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 22, based on 171 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Itasca
- 1,065 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Lake Itasca
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.9 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Pine Ridge Campground and Bear Paw Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,065 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 449 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Pine Ridge Campground and Bear Paw Campground
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 22
- Years of record
- 171
- Earliest
- March 26, 2012
- Latest
- May 18, 1950
- Most recent
- April 22, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Pine Ridge Campground and Bear Paw Campground are mapped on or near Lake Itasca. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Itasca
Compare Lake Itasca against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Lake Itasca ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Itasca ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Elk Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Lake Itasca303 acres
2.1 miles away
Lake Mary
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Lake Itasca56 acres
2.6 miles away
Ozawindib Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Lake Itasca159 acres
3.5 miles away
Hernando DeSoto Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Goldenrod171 acres
5 miles away
Beauty Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids55 acres
5.1 miles away
Big LaSalle Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Lake Itasca235 acres
5.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Itasca?
Lake Itasca is in Clearwater County, Minnesota, near Lake Itasca. It covers 1,065 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Itasca?
Lake Itasca covers 1,065 acres with about 14.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Itasca?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Itasca?
Yes. Lake Itasca has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Itasca?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Itasca stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Itasca; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Itasca?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Lake Itasca?
The median ice-out date is April 22, from 171 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 26, 2012 and the latest is May 18, 1950.
Can you camp at Lake Itasca?
Yes. Pine Ridge Campground and Bear Paw Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.