Caribou Lake
About Caribou Lake
Caribou Lake is a 247-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 152 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 30.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, lake trout, and rock bass. 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 lake trout, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Caribou Lake
- 247 acres, up to 152 feet deep, near Marcell
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, lake trout, and rock bass
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 30.8 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 247 acres
- Max depth
- 152 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 30.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 45 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Largemouth Bass fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Lake Trout: All less than 20" must be immediately released, possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Caribou Lake
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Nearby Lakes
East Smith Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder152 acres
1.6 miles away
Smith Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell209 acres
1.7 miles away
Dead Horse Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell105 acres
1.7 miles away
Grave Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell525 acres
2.2 miles away
North Star Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell832 acres
2.2 miles away
Day Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell49 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Caribou Lake?
Caribou Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 247 acres and reaches 152 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Caribou Lake?
Caribou Lake covers 247 acres with about 3.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 152 feet.
What fish can you catch at Caribou Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Caribou Lake?
Yes. Caribou Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Caribou Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Caribou 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 Caribou Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Caribou Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Caribou Lake?
Yes. All less than 20" must be immediately released, possession limit one.