Three Island Lake
About Three Island Lake
Three Island Lake is a 250-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 66 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 23 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2012.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Three Island Lake
- 250 acres, up to 66 feet deep, near Marcell
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 23 feet — very clear
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 250 acres
- Max depth
- 66 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 23 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 66 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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 portage access
Best For
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2012
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Three Island Lake
Compare Three Island Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Crooked Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell134 acres
0.8 miles away
Big Island Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell244 acres
1.2 miles away
Clubhouse Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell265 acres
1.5 miles away
Big Ole Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell217 acres
2 miles away
Gunn Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell382 acres
2.1 miles away
Fox Lake
15 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell262 acres
2.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Three Island Lake?
Three Island Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. It covers 250 acres and reaches 66 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Three Island Lake?
Three Island Lake covers 250 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 66 feet.
What fish can you catch at Three Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Three Island Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Three Island Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Three Island 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 Three Island Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Three Island Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.