Burns Lake
About Burns Lake
Burns Lake is an 181-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 100 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 40 feet, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
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 2020.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Burns Lake
- 181 acres, up to 100 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, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 13 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
- 181 acres
- Max depth
- 100 ft
- Average depth
- 40 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 13 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 78 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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 Burns Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Big Dick Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell260 acres
0.9 miles away
Little Dick Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell101 acres
0.9 miles away
Jack the Horse Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell363 acres
1.5 miles away
Batson Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell114 acres
1.6 miles away
Clubhouse Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell265 acres
2.1 miles away
Slauson Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell106 acres
2.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Burns Lake?
Burns Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 181 acres and reaches 100 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Burns Lake?
Burns Lake covers 181 acres with about 4.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 100 feet and its average depth is about 40 feet.
What fish can you catch at Burns 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 Burns Lake?
Yes. Burns 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 Burns Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Burns 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 Burns Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Burns Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.