Big McCarthy Lake
About Big McCarthy Lake
Big McCarthy Lake is a 104-acre lake near Cooley in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2008.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Big McCarthy Lake
- 104 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Cooley
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 9.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 104 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 41 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 (asphalt)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2008
- 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 McCarthy Lake
Compare Big McCarthy Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Big McCarthy Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Big McCarthy Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Big McCarthy Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Big McCarthy Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Big Sucker Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk259 acres
1.7 miles away
Nashwauk Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk168 acres
3 miles away
Bray Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk177 acres
3.8 miles away
Crooked Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marble465 acres
4 miles away
Shoal Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk266 acres
4.4 miles away
Bass Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marble131 acres
4.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big McCarthy Lake?
Big McCarthy Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cooley. It covers 104 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big McCarthy Lake?
Big McCarthy Lake covers 104 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big McCarthy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big McCarthy Lake?
Yes. Big McCarthy Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big McCarthy Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big McCarthy 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 McCarthy Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Big McCarthy Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.