North Star Lake
About North Star Lake
North Star Lake is an 832-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 90 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. North Star Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to North Star Lake
- 832 acres, up to 90 feet deep, near Marcell
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 14.6 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at North Star Campground
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 832 acres
- Max depth
- 90 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 314 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)
- Camping: North Star Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
North Star Campground is mapped on or near North Star Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to North Star Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Dead Horse Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell105 acres
1.5 miles away
Smith Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell209 acres
2.1 miles away
Caribou Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell247 acres
2.2 miles away
Big Ole Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell217 acres
2.6 miles away
East Smith Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alder152 acres
2.7 miles away
Grave Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell525 acres
3.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North Star Lake?
North Star Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 832 acres and reaches 90 feet deep.
How big and how deep is North Star Lake?
North Star Lake covers 832 acres with about 10.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 90 feet.
What fish can you catch at North Star Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on North Star Lake?
Yes. North Star Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at North Star Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at North Star 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 North Star Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for North Star Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on North Star Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Can you camp at North Star Lake?
Yes. North Star Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does North Star Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists North Star Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.