Horseshoe Lake
About Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is a 142-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2013.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Horseshoe Lake
- 142 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Marcell
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 10 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 142 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 10 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 39 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
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2013
- 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 Horseshoe Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Eagle Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell285 acres
1.5 miles away
Fox Lake
15 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell262 acres
1.6 miles away
Lake Mary
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell212 acres
1.9 miles away
Gunn Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell382 acres
2.2 miles away
Highland Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell105 acres
2.4 miles away
East Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell192 acres
2.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 142 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake covers 142 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet.
What fish can you catch at Horseshoe Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, 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 Horseshoe Lake?
Yes. Horseshoe Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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.