Little Dead Horse Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Alder. DNR lake ID 31062100.
Little Dead Horse Lake is a 78.8-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Alder. Its deepest point reaches 30 ft, and about 74% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.6 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.
Buying or selling on Little Dead Horse 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 | 31062100 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Alder |
| Surface area | 78.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 30 ft |
| Mean depth | 15.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 74% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.6 ft through 2017 |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2017: clarity 13.6 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Dead Horse Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Little Dead Horse 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 2.0 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.5 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.0 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 9.0 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 74.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 43.5 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.75 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.25 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Caribou Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Boy Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Dead Horse Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- West Smith Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Duck Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Grave Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- North Star Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Little Smith Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Little Dead Horse Lake
How deep is Little Dead Horse Lake?
Little Dead Horse Lake reaches a maximum depth of 30 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 74% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Dead Horse Lake?
Little Dead Horse Lake covers about 78.8 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Dead Horse Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Dead Horse Lake averages 13.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2017. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Little Dead Horse Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Little Dead Horse 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.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Dead Horse Lake?
Homes on Little Dead Horse 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 Dead Horse Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Dead Horse Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 74% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Dead Horse Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Little Dead Horse Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Little Dead Horse 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.