Big Ole Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. DNR lake ID 31067000.
Big Ole Lake is a 216.9-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. Its deepest point reaches 65 ft, and about 39% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 22.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Big Ole 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 | 31067000 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Marcell |
| Surface area | 216.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 65 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 39% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 22.1 ft through 2021 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 7.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| 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 22.1 ft, phosphorus 7.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Big Ole Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Big Ole Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2001 (25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 0.5 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.33 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.17 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.67 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.11 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 19.83 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 55.67 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.5 to 3.1 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.8 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.11 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Smallmouth bass 21.0 in (2001), Northern pike 34.0 in (2001), Walleye 27.0 in (2001), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2001).
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 Ole Lake: 1 natural launch ramp. Follow CR 45 east out of Marcell for 4.2 miles to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Big Island Lake 0.9 mi, Itasca County
- McKewen Lake 1.1 mi, Itasca County
- Hole-in-Wall Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Smith Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Little Smith Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- West Smith Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Crooked Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Three Island Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Big Ole Lake
How deep is Big Ole Lake?
Big Ole Lake reaches a maximum depth of 65 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 39% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Big Ole Lake?
Big Ole Lake covers about 216.9 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Big Ole Lake?
Summer water clarity on Big Ole Lake averages 22.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2021. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Big Ole Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Big Ole 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.
Where is the public boat access on Big Ole Lake?
Big Ole Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Big Ole Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Big Ole Lake?
Homes on Big Ole 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 Ole Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Big Ole Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 39% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 22.1 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 Ole Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Big Ole Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Big Ole 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 2001), 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.