Johnson Lake
About Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is a 304-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 51 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface).
Plan Your Visit to Johnson Lake
- 304 acres, up to 51 feet deep, near Marcell
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 11.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 304 acres
- Max depth
- 51 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 89 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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 Johnson Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Jack the Horse Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell363 acres
1.1 miles away
Little Dick Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell101 acres
1.9 miles away
Batson Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell114 acres
2.3 miles away
Burns Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell181 acres
2.3 miles away
Big Dick Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell260 acres
2.4 miles away
Grass Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell120 acres
2.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 304 acres and reaches 51 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake covers 304 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 51 feet.
What fish can you catch at Johnson 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 Johnson Lake?
Yes. Johnson Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Johnson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Johnson 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 Johnson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Johnson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.