Grave Lake
About Grave Lake
Grave Lake is a 525-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface). Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 11 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Grave Lake
- 525 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Marcell
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.2 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 525 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 304 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 (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 23
- Years of record
- 11
- Earliest
- April 6, 2021
- Latest
- May 4, 2008
- Most recent
- April 6, 2021
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Grave Lake
Compare Grave Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Dead Horse Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell105 acres
2 miles away
Day Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell49 acres
2 miles away
Caribou Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell247 acres
2.2 miles away
Little Bowstring Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River326 acres
2.7 miles away
North Star Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell832 acres
3.4 miles away
Smith Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell209 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Grave Lake?
Grave Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 525 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Grave Lake?
Grave Lake covers 525 acres with about 7.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet.
What fish can you catch at Grave Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Grave Lake?
Yes. Grave Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Grave Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Grave 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 Grave Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Grave Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Grave Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Grave Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 6, 2021 and the latest is May 4, 2008.