Itasca

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Itasca Lake on August 5th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 18.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 16.2 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 22.3 degrees C (72.1 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 4 years, between 2006-2023, indicate unsuitable oxythermal habitat in most years when surveyed, with the most favorable conditions recorded in 2023 when the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 9.0 feet thick. No other surveys contained a suitable oxythermal habitat layer. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Itasca Lake on August 5th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 18.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 16.2 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 22.3 degrees C (72.1 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 4 years, between 2006-2023, indicate unsuitable oxythermal habitat in most years when surveyed, with the most favorable conditions recorded in 2023 when the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 9.0 feet thick. No other surveys contained a suitable oxythermal habitat layer. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Itasca Lake on August 5th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 18.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 16.2 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 22.3 degrees C (72.1 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 4 years, between 2006-2023, indicate unsuitable oxythermal habitat in most years when surveyed, with the most favorable conditions recorded in 2023 when the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 9.0 feet thick. No other surveys contained a suitable oxythermal habitat layer. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Muskellunge, Walleye, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass in Itasca. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Itasca. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Itasca has a maximum depth of 40 feet and a mean depth of 17.3 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Itasca is from 2025.

No invasive species are on record for Itasca in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Itasca, covering black and white crappie and sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.