Little North Star Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. DNR lake ID 31066500.
Little North Star Lake is a 55.3-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. Its deepest point reaches 43 ft, and about 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Little North Star 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 | 31066500 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Marcell |
| Surface area | 55.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 43 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 52% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.6 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 2025: clarity 11.6 ft.
Fishing on Little North Star Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2014 (12 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 | 0.33 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 0.67 | 2.7 to 9.3 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.67 | 1.9 to 19.1 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.56 | 0.7 to 3.6 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.89 | 0.7 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 9.78 | 2.9 to 41.2 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 2.67 | 0.5 to 5.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.89 | 1.5 to 7.4 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 34.0 in (2014), Muskellunge 42.0 in (2005), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2014), Walleye 18.0 in (2014).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin.
Fishing regulations
- Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed). (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
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
- Forest Lake 0.9 mi, Itasca County
- Ranier Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- North Star Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Hole-in-Wall Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Ranier Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
- Little Smith Lake 2.2 mi, Itasca County
- Big Ole Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- West Smith Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Little North Star Lake
How deep is Little North Star Lake?
Little North Star Lake reaches a maximum depth of 43 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little North Star Lake?
Little North Star Lake covers about 55.3 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little North Star Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little North Star Lake averages 11.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Little North Star Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Little North Star 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 North Star Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Little North Star Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2014.
How is the walleye population on Little North Star Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2014, walleye numbers on Little North Star 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 Little North Star Lake?
Homes on Little North Star 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 North Star Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little North Star Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 52% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.6 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 North Star Lake?
Yes. Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed).
Ask us about Little North Star 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 2014), 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.