Dunbar Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. DNR lake ID 31090400.
Dunbar Lake is a 267.7-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Squaw Lake. Its deepest point reaches 30 ft, and about 61% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 5.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Dunbar 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 | 31090400 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Squaw Lake |
| Surface area | 267.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 30 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 61% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 5.1 ft through 2021 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 36.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 14.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| 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 5.1 ft, phosphorus 36.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 14.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Dunbar Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Dunbar Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2011 (15 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 | 1.67 | 1.2 to 5.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.83 | 2.3 to 9.2 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 8.0 | 3.7 to 28.4 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.44 | 0.5 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 6.33 | 0.8 to 8.4 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.11 | 0.9 to 8.0 |
| Bluegill | trap | 1.0 | 5.9 to 43.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.22 | 1.5 to 9.1 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 20.0 in (2001), Northern pike 31.0 in (2011), Walleye 25.0 in (2011).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, Bowfin, 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
- Dunbar Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock. 5 miles west of the city of Squaw Lake, on CSAH 32, on the southwest shore of Dunbar Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Virgin Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Dixon Lake 2.9 mi, Itasca County
- Dixon Lake 3.5 mi, Itasca County
- Sioux Lake 3.7 mi, Itasca County
- Round Lake 3.8 mi, Itasca County
- Upper Pigeon Lake 4.6 mi, Itasca County
- Wilderness Lake 4.7 mi, Itasca County
- Alice Lake 4.9 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Dunbar Lake
How deep is Dunbar Lake?
Dunbar Lake reaches a maximum depth of 30 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 61% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Dunbar Lake?
Dunbar Lake covers about 267.7 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Dunbar Lake?
Summer water clarity on Dunbar Lake averages 5.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2021. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Dunbar Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Dunbar 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 Dunbar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, bowfin, white sucker in Dunbar Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2011.
Where is the public boat access on Dunbar Lake?
Dunbar Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Dunbar Lake.
How is the walleye population on Dunbar Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2011, walleye numbers on Dunbar Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Dunbar Lake?
Homes on Dunbar 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 Dunbar Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Dunbar Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 61% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 5.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Dunbar Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Dunbar Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Dunbar 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 2011), 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.