O'Reilly Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Taconite. DNR lake ID 31021900.
O'Reilly Lake is a 189.3-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Taconite. Its deepest point reaches 79 ft, and about 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.5 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. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on O'Reilly 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 | 31021900 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Taconite |
| Surface area | 189.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 79 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 30% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.5 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| 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 15.5 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, O'Reilly Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on O'Reilly Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 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 | 0.17 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.5 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.17 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.17 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.67 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.83 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.5 | 1.3 to 10.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.17 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 20.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2020), Northern pike 34.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
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
- O'Reilly Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 3 trailer spaces. 2 mi NW of Taconite on State Hwy 7, then NW on access road to S shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Island Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Shamrock Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Little O'Reilly Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Moonshine Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Big Rainbarrel Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
- Inkey Lake 2.4 mi, Itasca County
- Clearwater Lake 3.0 mi, Itasca County
- Lower Hanson Lake 3.2 mi, Itasca County
Questions about O'Reilly Lake
How deep is O'Reilly Lake?
O'Reilly Lake reaches a maximum depth of 79 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is O'Reilly Lake?
O'Reilly Lake covers about 189.3 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is O'Reilly Lake?
Summer water clarity on O'Reilly Lake averages 15.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does O'Reilly Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
O'Reilly 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 O'Reilly Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, tullibee (cisco), burbot in O'Reilly Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on O'Reilly Lake?
O'Reilly Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: O'Reilly Lake.
How is the walleye population on O'Reilly Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2020, walleye numbers on O'Reilly Lake ran mostly below 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 O'Reilly Lake?
Homes on O'Reilly 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 O'Reilly Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on O'Reilly Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 30% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on O'Reilly Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for O'Reilly Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about O'Reilly 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 2020), 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.