Big McCarthy Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cooley. DNR lake ID 31012000.
Big McCarthy Lake is a 104.5-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cooley. Its deepest point reaches 45 ft, and about 39% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Big McCarthy 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 | 31012000 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Cooley |
| Surface area | 104.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 45 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 39% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.3 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 2025: clarity 8.3 ft.
Fishing on Big McCarthy Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2008 (18 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 | 4.5 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.17 | 1.5 to 23.0 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.0 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 15.89 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.33 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.56 | 0.5 to 2.8 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 30.0 in (2008), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2008).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
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 McCarthy Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. 5 mi NW of Nashwauk on Cnty Rd 58 to NW shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Third Sucker Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Moose Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Little McCarthy Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Big Sucker Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Sucker Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Nashwauk Lake 3.0 mi, Itasca County
- Bray Lake 3.8 mi, Itasca County
- Trestle Lake 3.9 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Big McCarthy Lake
How deep is Big McCarthy Lake?
Big McCarthy Lake reaches a maximum depth of 45 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 39% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big McCarthy Lake?
Big McCarthy Lake covers about 104.5 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big McCarthy Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big McCarthy Lake averages 8.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Big McCarthy Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Big McCarthy 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 McCarthy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead in Big McCarthy Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2008.
Where is the public boat access on Big McCarthy Lake?
Big McCarthy Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Big McCarthy Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Big McCarthy Lake?
Homes on Big McCarthy 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 McCarthy Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big McCarthy Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 39% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.3 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 McCarthy Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Big McCarthy Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Big McCarthy 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 2008), 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.