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Horseshoe Lake

lakeItasca County, Minnesota · near Marcell260 acres57 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake is a 260-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2007.

There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface).

Plan Your Visit to Horseshoe Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 260 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Marcell
  • 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
  • Average water clarity around 11.5 feet

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses

Conditions

Surface area
260 acres
Max depth
25 ft
Shoreline
3.2 mi
Water clarity
11.5 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
241 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
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
13
Game fish
8
Stocked
No
Last DNR survey
2007
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

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddling

Amenities

Boat Ramp

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeLargemouth BassSmallmouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedRock BassBlack BullheadBrown BullheadHybrid SunfishWhite SuckerYellow Bullhead

Plan your trip to Horseshoe Lake

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Horseshoe Lake?

Horseshoe Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 260 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Horseshoe Lake?

Horseshoe Lake covers 260 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet.

What fish can you catch at Horseshoe Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Horseshoe Lake?

Yes. Horseshoe Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth). DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Horseshoe Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake stocked?

The DNR has no stocking report on file for Horseshoe Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.