Little McCarthy
A 62-acre lake near Cooley in Itasca County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1980.
Fish Species (10)
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 38.8 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 1.00 | - | 0.20 lbs |
| Aug 4, 1980 | 38.80 | - | 0.09 lbs |
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 6.4 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 6.40 | - | 0.33 lbs |
| Aug 4, 1980 | 2.00 | - | 0.38 lbs |
Typical numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.5 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 0.20 | - | 0.50 lbs |
| Aug 4, 1980 | 0.50 | - | 0.50 lbs |
Typical numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.5 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 1.50 | - | 0.33 lbs |
Below-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 2.2 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 2.20 | - | 3.15 lbs |
| Aug 4, 1980 | 1.25 | - | 3.00 lbs |
Below-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.4 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 0.40 | - | 4.40 lbs |
| Aug 4, 1980 | 0.75 | - | 3.00 lbs |
Below-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 0.40 | - | 0.10 lbs |
| Aug 4, 1980 | 1.00 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.8 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 0.80 | - | 1.30 lbs |
| Aug 4, 1980 | 1.25 | - | 1.00 lbs |
Other species in this lake (2)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 2.6 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 2.60 | - | 1.22 lbs |
Typical numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1980
Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.75 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 1980 | 0.75 | - | 0.50 lbs |
| Aug 4, 1980 | 1.00 | - | 0.44 lbs |
Fishing Regulations
Statewide limits
Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.
Walleye and Sauger
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20"
Northern Pike
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
North-central zone
Angling: 10 (not more than 2 over 26". All from 22-26" must be immediatley released).
Largemouth Bass
Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 22, 2026
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
Catch-and-release only
Largemouth Bass
Season: May 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth (when smallmouth season is open)
Crappie
10 combined total
Sunfish
20 combined total
Perch
20 daily and 40 in possession
More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)
Northern Pike
Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
North-central zone
Darkhouse spearing: 10 (only 1 between 22-26" and 1 over 26"; or, only 2 over 26").
Rock Bass
30
Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers
no limit
Bullhead
100
Biologist Notes
August 4, 1980Crappie and Perch population somewhat high, other fishes okay for this type of lake.
Crappie and Perch population somewhat high, other fishes okay for this type of lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Little McCarthy?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Northern Pike in Little McCarthy. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Little McCarthy?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Little McCarthy. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Little McCarthy?
Little McCarthy has a maximum depth of 24 feet and a mean depth of 11 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Little McCarthy last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little McCarthy is from 1980. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Little McCarthy have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Little McCarthy in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little McCarthy?
No — Little McCarthy has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 62.06 acres
- Max Depth
- 24 ft
- Mean Depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.54 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed