Dunbar Lake
About Dunbar Lake
Dunbar Lake is a 268-acre lake near Squaw Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.9 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2011.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Dunbar Lake
- 268 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Squaw Lake
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 2.9 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 268 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 162 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
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 12
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2011
- 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 Dunbar Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Dixon Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Squaw Lake622 acres
3.5 miles away
Round Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Squaw Lake2,860 acres
3.8 miles away
Natures Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Squaw Lake2,249 acres
5.7 miles away
Shallow Pond
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alvwood225 acres
7.4 miles away
Decker Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Rosy325 acres
7.6 miles away
Rice Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund791 acres
8.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dunbar Lake?
Dunbar Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. It covers 268 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dunbar Lake?
Dunbar Lake covers 268 acres with about 4.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dunbar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, 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 Dunbar Lake?
Yes. Dunbar Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Dunbar Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dunbar 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 Dunbar Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Dunbar Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.