---
type: lake
name: "North Star Lake"
county: "Itasca"
nearest_town: "Marcell"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 832
max_depth_ft: 90
latitude: 47.55368
longitude: -93.66616
lake_score: 74
dnr_lake_id: "31065300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/north-star-lake
---

# North Star Lake

Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell

- **Surface Area**: 832 acres
- **Max Depth**: 90 ft
- **Shoreline**: 10.2 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 14.6 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 74/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 13
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Northern Pike**: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Campground

### Campgrounds

- North Star Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, Northern Sunfish, White Sucker

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [Dead Horse Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/dead-horse-lake) - 1.5 miles, 105 acres
- [Smith Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/smith-lake) - 2.1 miles, 209 acres
- [Caribou Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/caribou-lake) - 2.2 miles, 247 acres
- [Big Ole Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/big-ole-lake) - 2.6 miles, 217 acres
- [East Smith Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/east-smith-lake) - 2.7 miles, 152 acres
- [Grave Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/grave-lake) - 3.4 miles, 525 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.55368,-93.66616)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=31065300)
- [All lakes in Itasca County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/north-star-lake)*