Little East

Itasca County

Near Marcell

DOW: 31045900

BluegillGood · 68Northern PikeGood · 62Largemouth BassGood · 50

A 65-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1982.

Fish Species (5)

Bluegill

Good · 68

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1982

Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.05 lbs

Catch rate: 5.5 per trap net · typical 7.7–43.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 21, 1982	5.50	-	1.05 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 21, 1982	6.00	-	0.11 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 18, 1974	96.00	-	0.15 lbs	Standard trap nets

Northern Pike

Good · 62

Above-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1982

Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.27 lbs

Catch rate: 8.7 per gill net · typical 2.2–8.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 21, 1982	8.67	-	2.27 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 21, 1982	1.00	-	0.95 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 18, 1974	9.50	-	2.32 lbs	Standard gill nets

Largemouth Bass

Good · 50

Large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1982

Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.75 lbs

Catch rate: 0.5 per trap net · typical 0.4–1.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 21, 1982	0.50	-	0.75 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 21, 1982	3.33	-	1.01 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 18, 1974	5.75	-	0.39 lbs	Standard trap nets

Yellow Perch

Average · 45

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1982

Last surveyed 1982 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.12 lbs

Catch rate: 3.0 per gill net · typical 1.5–13.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 21, 1982	3.00	-	0.12 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 18, 1974	0.25	-	0.25 lbs	Standard trap nets

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 21, 1982	5.00	-	0.14 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 21, 1982	1.00	-	0.10 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 18, 1974	0.25	-	0.20 lbs	Standard trap nets

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).

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)

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

Biologist Notes

July 21, 1982The northern pike and bluegill populations have declined since 1974 but are still very abundant. The rock bass and perch populations have increased sl…

The northern pike and bluegill populations have declined since 1974 but are still very abundant. The rock bass and perch populations have increased slightly and LM Bass abundance appears to be good with little change since 1974.

July 18, 1974Many small Northern were caught in the nets. Spawning area seems quite limited for N Pike. LMB spawning area is quite extensive. The Bluegill lengths…

Many small Northern were caught in the nets. Spawning area seems quite limited for N Pike. LMB spawning area is quite extensive. The Bluegill lengths might indicate stunting of this species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Little East?

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

Is there public access at Little East?

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

How deep is Little East?

Little East has a maximum depth of 100 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Little East last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little East is from 1982. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Little East have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Little East?

No — Little East has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.