Big Island Lake
About Big Island Lake
Big Island Lake is a 244-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Big Island Lake
- 244 acres, up to 42 feet deep, near Marcell
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 14 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 244 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 14 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 202 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
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big Island Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Crooked Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell134 acres
0.9 miles away
Big Ole Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell217 acres
0.9 miles away
Three Island Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell250 acres
1.2 miles away
Smith Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell209 acres
2 miles away
East Smith Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder152 acres
2.2 miles away
Clubhouse Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell265 acres
2.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Island Lake?
Big Island Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 244 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Island Lake?
Big Island Lake covers 244 acres with about 8.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Island Lake?
Yes. Big Island Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Island Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Island Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Big Island Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Big Island Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.