Little Bowstring Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. DNR lake ID 31075800.
Little Bowstring Lake is a 326.6-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. Its deepest point reaches 33 ft, and about 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.3 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. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Little Bowstring 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 | 31075800 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Deer River |
| Surface area | 326.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 33 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 35% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.3 ft through 2020 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| 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 2020: clarity 7.3 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Bowstring Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Little Bowstring 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.56 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.78 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.67 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | trap | 8.22 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.78 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2022), Northern pike 23.0 in (2022), Walleye 8.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
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
- Little Bowstring Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. 9 miles south of Marcell, off CSAH 48, on the south shore of Little Bowstring Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Pike Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Suomi Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Carpenter Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Grave Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
- Boy Lake 3.5 mi, Itasca County
- Dead Horse Lake 3.7 mi, Itasca County
- Adele Lake 3.7 mi, Itasca County
- Day Lake 3.9 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Little Bowstring Lake
How deep is Little Bowstring Lake?
Little Bowstring Lake reaches a maximum depth of 33 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Bowstring Lake?
Little Bowstring Lake covers about 326.6 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Bowstring Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Bowstring Lake averages 7.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2020. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Little Bowstring Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Little Bowstring 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 Little Bowstring Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Little Bowstring Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Little Bowstring Lake?
Little Bowstring Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Little Bowstring Lake.
How is the walleye population on Little Bowstring Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1995 to 2021, walleye numbers on Little Bowstring Lake ran mostly above 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 Little Bowstring Lake?
Homes on Little Bowstring 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 Little Bowstring Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Bowstring Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 35% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Bowstring Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Little Bowstring 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.