Fifth Chain Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. DNR lake ID 31049700.
Fifth Chain Lake is an 89-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. Summer water clarity averages 12.7 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.
Buying or selling on Fifth Chain 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Fifth Chain LakeWhat’s my Fifth Chain Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31049700 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Marcell |
| Surface area | 89 acres |
| Maximum depth | Not surveyed |
| Share under 15 ft | Not surveyed |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.7 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| 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 12.7 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Fifth Chain Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
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
- Gunn Lake Chain: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. 4 mi S of Marcell on Mn Hwy 38, then 3 mi E on Cnty Rd 49, then 1 mi E to W shore of Chain Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Gunn Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Three Island Lake 1.1 mi, Itasca County
- Blind Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Elizabeth Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Highland Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Nose Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Black Island Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Gunn Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Fifth Chain Lake
How big is Fifth Chain Lake?
Fifth Chain Lake covers about 89 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Fifth Chain Lake?
Summer water clarity on Fifth Chain Lake averages 12.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Fifth Chain Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Fifth Chain 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 Fifth Chain Lake?
Fifth Chain Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Gunn Lake Chain.
Are there lake homes for sale on Fifth Chain Lake?
Homes on Fifth Chain 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 Fifth Chain Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Fifth Chain Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, and summer clarity around 12.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Fifth Chain Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Fifth Chain Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Fifth Chain 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 not on record), 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.