Kelly Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. DNR lake ID 31029900.
Kelly Lake is a 70.5-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. Its deepest point reaches 39 ft, and about 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Kelly 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 | 31029900 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Bigfork |
| Surface area | 70.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 39 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 50% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.6 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 9.6 ft.
Fishing on Kelly Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1982 (44 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 | 1.67 | 2.0 to 8.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 5.33 | 1.5 to 18.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 3.0 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 6.33 | 0.5 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.75 | 1.0 to 6.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 17.25 | 7.9 to 37.7 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 4.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.0 | 1.1 to 4.7 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.6 to 4.5 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.5 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
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
- Kelly Lake: 1 natural launch ramp. 25 miles north of Taconite, off CSAH 52, on the north shore of Kelly Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Rainbow Lake 0.3 mi, Itasca County
- Long Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Walters Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- May Lake 0.9 mi, Itasca County
- Otter Lake 1.1 mi, Itasca County
- Owen Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Bartlet Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Link Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Kelly Lake
How deep is Kelly Lake?
Kelly Lake reaches a maximum depth of 39 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Kelly Lake?
Kelly Lake covers about 70.5 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Kelly Lake?
Summer water clarity on Kelly Lake averages 9.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Kelly Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Kelly 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 Kelly Lake?
Kelly Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Kelly Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Kelly Lake?
Homes on Kelly 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 Kelly Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Kelly Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 50% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Kelly Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Kelly Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Kelly 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 1982), 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.