Caribou Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. DNR lake ID 31062000.
Caribou Lake is a 246.5-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. Its deepest point reaches 152 ft, and about 18% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 31.2 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. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Caribou 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 | 31062000 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Marcell |
| Surface area | 246.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 152 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 18% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 31.2 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| 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 31.2 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Caribou Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Caribou Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.33 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 6.0 | 0.2 to 1.6 |
| Rock bass | gill | 7.0 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Smallmouth bass 17.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2022), Northern pike 31.0 in (2007).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Rock bass, Lake trout, White sucker.
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
- Caribou Lake: 1 gravel launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. 6 miles southeast of Marcell, on MN Highway #38, in Caribou Lake Park on the southwest shore of Caribou Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Dead Horse Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Duck Lake 1.1 mi, Itasca County
- Boy Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- West Smith Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Big Jack Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- East Smith Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Smith Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Dead Horse Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Caribou Lake
How deep is Caribou Lake?
Caribou Lake reaches a maximum depth of 152 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 18% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Caribou Lake?
Caribou Lake covers about 246.5 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Caribou Lake?
Summer water clarity on Caribou Lake averages 31.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Caribou Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Caribou 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 Caribou Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, rock bass, lake trout, white sucker in Caribou Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Caribou Lake?
Caribou Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Caribou Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Caribou Lake?
Homes on Caribou 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 Caribou Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Caribou Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 18% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 31.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Caribou Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Caribou Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Caribou 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 2022), 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.