Dead Horse Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be very active with peak fishing times around 7-8 AM and 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Dead Horse Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Dead Horse Lake, MN
- How big is Dead Horse Lake?
- How deep is Dead Horse Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Dead Horse Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Dead Horse Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Dead Horse Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Dead Horse Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Dead Horse Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Dead Horse Lake?
How big is Dead Horse Lake?
How deep is Dead Horse Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Dead Horse Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Common Shiner, Creek Chub, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Dead Horse Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Dead Horse Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Dead Horse Lake?
Explore the Dead Horse Lake area in a RV
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Bemidji, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
Dead Horse Lake is located about four miles southwest of Marcel, MN in the Bigfork River watershed. Dead Horse has a total surface area of 97 acres, a littoral area of 54 acres (56%), and a maximum depth of 30 feet. There is no connectivity to facilitate fish passage. The small outlet drains to a wetland which the 2009 assessment noted a beaver dam has blocked and has likely increased the lake level about a foot. Residential development is low, mainly along the southwest shore. There is a U.S. Forest Service administered carry-in access on the north side with limited parking availability.
Local residents reported poor fishing and suspected a winterkill had occurred. A special assessment using one gill net and three trap nets was conducted to evaluate the fish community.
Gill net sampling captured four Bluegill and 21 Northern Pike. The Northern Pike ranged in length from 16.5 to 26.4 inches and averaged 20.1 inches. Age analysis identified multiple year classes (age 2-6) and growth was near the statewide average as pike averaged 25 inches by age 5.
Bluegill were the most common fish in the trap net sample and the catch of 19.7 per trap net was within the expected range for the lake class. Size structure was moderate as Bluegill ranged from 3.1 to 9.4 inches and averaged 5.6 inches. Eight year classes were present (age 2-9). Growth was fast compared to the lake class average as Bluegill averaged 5.8 inches by age 5 and exceeded 8 inches by age 8.
Other species captured included Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, and Yellow Perch. The fish community assemblages, along with length and age structures, do not suggest a recent winterkill. The current fish community should provide good angling opportunities.
What is the average air temp for Dead Horse Lake?
Are there any state parks near Dead Horse Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Dead Horse Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Boy Lake | 0.9 mi | 43 | 42 ft |
| Little Dead Horse Lake | 1.0 mi | 79 | 30 ft |
| Smith Lake | 1.3 mi | 1,040 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.4 mi | 1,040 | |
| North Star Lake | 1.5 mi | 832 | 90 ft |
| Caribou Lake | 1.7 mi | 247 | 152 ft |
| Bill's Lake | 1.8 mi | 12 | 37 ft |
| West Smith Lake | 2.1 mi | 34 | 28 ft |
| Little Smith Lake | 2.2 mi | 40 | 35 ft |
| Grave Lake | 2.3 mi | 484 | 39 ft |
