Highland Lake
About Highland Lake
Highland Lake is a 105-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 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 2018.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface). The lake is listed as infested with flowering rush — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Highland Lake
- 105 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Marcell
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
- Listed as infested with flowering rush — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 105 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 56 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
- Northern Pike 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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 Highland Lake
Compare Highland Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Highland Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Highland Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Highland Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Highland Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Gunn Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell382 acres
0.9 miles away
Lake Elizabeth
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell193 acres
1.1 miles away
Gunn Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder111 acres
2.1 miles away
Lake Mary
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell212 acres
2.4 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell142 acres
2.4 miles away
Nose Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids114 acres
2.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Highland Lake?
Highland Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 105 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Highland Lake?
Highland Lake covers 105 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 feet.
What fish can you catch at Highland Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Highland Lake?
Yes. Highland Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Highland Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Highland 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 Highland Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Highland Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Highland Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Highland Lake as infested with flowering rush. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.