O'Leary Lake
About O'Leary Lake
O'Leary Lake is a 140-acre lake near Nashwauk in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 14 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
There are 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to O'Leary Lake
- 140 acres, up to 14 feet deep, near Nashwauk
- 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 140 acres
- Max depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 140 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
- 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth)
Best For
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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'Leary Lake
Compare O'Leary Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Bower Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk93 acres
2.4 miles away
Buck Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk495 acres
2.8 miles away
Wolf Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk197 acres
3.5 miles away
Stingy Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk361 acres
3.7 miles away
Scooty Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk167 acres
5.3 miles away
Hartley Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk288 acres
5.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is O'Leary Lake?
O'Leary Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Nashwauk. It covers 140 acres and reaches 14 feet deep.
How big and how deep is O'Leary Lake?
O'Leary Lake covers 140 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at O'Leary Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on O'Leary Lake?
Yes. O'Leary Lake has 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at O'Leary Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at O'Leary 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 O'Leary Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for O'Leary Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.