Murphy

Itasca County

Near Taconite

DOW: 31038900

Northern PikeExcellent · 75Yellow PerchPoor · 21

A 139-acre lake near Taconite in Itasca County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 1978.

Fish Species (4)

Northern Pike

Excellent · 75

Above-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1978

Last surveyed 1978 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.72 lbs

Catch rate: 12.0 per gill net · typical 4.5–11.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 19, 1978	12.00	-	2.72 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 19, 1978	0.25	-	1.50 lbs	Standard trap nets

Yellow Perch

Poor · 21

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1978

Last surveyed 1978 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.10 lbs

Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 2.5–24.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 19, 1978	0.33	-	0.10 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (2)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

Brown Bullhead

Good · 60

Above-normal numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1978

Last surveyed 1978 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.16 lbs

Catch rate: 11.3 per trap net · typical 1.1–9.6 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 19, 1978	11.25	-	0.16 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 19, 1978	82.00	-	0.15 lbs	Standard gill nets

White Sucker

Poor · 21

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1978

Last surveyed 1978 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.00 lbs

Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 1–3.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 19, 1978	0.33	-	1.00 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

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).

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").

Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers

no limit

Bullhead

100

Biologist Notes

July 19, 1978Fish population is indicative of a lake with occasional winterkill.

Fish population is indicative of a lake with occasional winterkill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Murphy?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike and Yellow Perch in Murphy. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Murphy?

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

How deep is Murphy?

Murphy has a maximum depth of 20 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Murphy last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Murphy is from 1978. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Murphy have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Murphy?

No — Murphy 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.