Big Ole Lake
About Big Ole Lake
Big Ole Lake is a 217-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 65 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.7 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2001.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Big Ole Lake
- 217 acres, up to 65 feet deep, near Marcell
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 217 acres
- Max depth
- 65 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.7 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 84 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 carry-in access
Best For
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2001
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
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 Ole Lake
Compare Big Ole Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Big Island Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell244 acres
0.9 miles away
Smith Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell209 acres
1.6 miles away
Crooked Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell134 acres
1.8 miles away
Three Island Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell250 acres
2 miles away
East Smith Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder152 acres
2 miles away
North Star Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell832 acres
2.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Ole Lake?
Big Ole Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 217 acres and reaches 65 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Ole Lake?
Big Ole Lake covers 217 acres with about 4.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 65 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Ole Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Ole Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Big Ole Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Ole 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 Ole Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Big Ole Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.