O'Brien Lake
About O'Brien Lake
O'Brien Lake is a 539-acre lake near Nashwauk in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 63 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 13.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2013.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake.
Plan Your Visit to O'Brien Lake
- 539 acres, up to 63 feet deep, near Nashwauk
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 12 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 539 acres
- Max depth
- 63 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 12 ft
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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- 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 O'Brien Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Ox Hide Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Pengilly123 acres
3.8 miles away
Swan Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Pengilly2,456 acres
4.4 miles away
Snowball Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Calumet145 acres
5.1 miles away
Big Sucker Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk259 acres
6.3 miles away
Lower Panasa Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Calumet248 acres
6.8 miles away
Upper Panasa Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Calumet148 acres
7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is O'Brien Lake?
O'Brien Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Nashwauk. It covers 539 acres and reaches 63 feet deep.
How big and how deep is O'Brien Lake?
O'Brien Lake covers 539 acres with about 13.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 63 feet.
What fish can you catch at O'Brien Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 O'Brien Lake?
Yes. O'Brien Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at O'Brien Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is O'Brien Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for O'Brien Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.