Big Island Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. DNR lake ID 31067100.
Big Island Lake is a 242.7-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. Its deepest point reaches 42 ft, and about 83% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Big Island Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31067100 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Marcell |
| Surface area | 242.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 42 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 83% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.7 ft through 2021 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 15.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2021: clarity 16.7 ft, phosphorus 15.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Big Island Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Big Island Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 6.83 | 3.6 to 11.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.83 | 3.8 to 22.8 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.56 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.67 | 1.0 to 10.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.78 | 0.7 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 7.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 9.44 | 4.0 to 28.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.83 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.2 to 0.6 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 22.0 in (2005), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2020), Northern pike 28.0 in (2020), Smallmouth bass 10.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Big Island Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 1 trailer spaces. 4 miles southeast of Marcell, off CSAH 45, on the west shore of Big Island Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Crooked Lake 0.9 mi, Itasca County
- Big Ole Lake 0.9 mi, Itasca County
- Three Island Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- McKewen Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Ghost Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Dock Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Little Bass Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
- Smith Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Big Island Lake
How deep is Big Island Lake?
Big Island Lake reaches a maximum depth of 42 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 83% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Island Lake?
Big Island Lake covers about 242.7 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Island Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Island Lake averages 16.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2021. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Big Island Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Big Island Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Big Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch in Big Island Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Big Island Lake?
Big Island Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Big Island Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Big Island Lake?
Homes on Big Island Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Big Island Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Island Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 83% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Island Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Big Island Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Big Island Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2020), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.