---
type: lake
name: "Three Island Lake"
county: "Itasca"
nearest_town: "Marcell"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 250
max_depth_ft: 66
latitude: 47.58341
longitude: -93.57815
lake_score: 56
dnr_lake_id: "31054200"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/three-island-lake
---

# Three Island Lake

Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell

- **Surface Area**: 250 acres
- **Max Depth**: 66 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 23 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 56/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 7
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2012
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Crooked Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/crooked-lake-marcell) - 0.8 miles, 134 acres
- [Big Island Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/big-island-lake) - 1.2 miles, 244 acres
- [Clubhouse Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/clubhouse-lake) - 1.5 miles, 265 acres
- [Big Ole Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/big-ole-lake) - 2 miles, 217 acres
- [Gunn Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/gunn-lake) - 2.1 miles, 382 acres
- [Fox Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/fox-lake) - 2.1 miles, 262 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.58341,-93.57815)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=31054200)
- [All lakes in Itasca County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county)

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