North Star Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. DNR lake ID 31065300.
North Star Lake is an 831.6-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Marcell. Its deepest point reaches 90 ft, and about 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31065300 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Marcell |
| Surface area | 831.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 90 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 38% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 10.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 1.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 16.4 ft, phosphorus 10.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 1.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, North Star Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on North Star 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 | gill | 2.25 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.42 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.0 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.25 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.5 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.08 | 0.2 to 1.0 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 4.0 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.42 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Smallmouth bass 5.0 in (2022), Northern pike 36.0 in (2022), Walleye 29.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2022), Muskellunge 49.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), White sucker, Yellow bullhead.
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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2017).
Public boat access
- North Star Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 8 trailer spaces. 24 miles north of Grand Rapids, on MN Highway 38, on North Star Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Hole-in-Wall Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Little Smith Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- West Smith Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Dead Horse Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Little North Star Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little Dead Horse Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Smith Lake 2.1 mi, Itasca County
- Boy Lake 2.2 mi, Itasca County
Questions about North Star Lake
How deep is North Star Lake?
North Star Lake reaches a maximum depth of 90 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is North Star Lake?
North Star Lake covers about 831.6 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is North Star Lake?
Summer water clarity on North Star Lake averages 16.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does North Star Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes North Star Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in North Star Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish in North Star Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on North Star Lake?
North Star Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: North Star Lake.
How is the walleye population on North Star Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2022, walleye numbers on 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 North Star Lake?
Homes on 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 North Star Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on North Star Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 38% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on North Star Lake?
Yes. Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed).
Ask us about 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 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.