Little Ranier

Itasca County

Near Marcell

DOW: 31066000

Northern PikeAverage · 45PumpkinseedAverage · 43

A 53-acre lake near Marcell in Itasca County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 1980.

Fish Species (4)

Northern Pike

Average · 45

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.06 lbs

Catch rate: 2.0 per gill net · typical 2.8–8.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 9, 1980	2.00	-	2.06 lbs	Standard gill nets

Pumpkinseed

Average · 43

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.20 lbs

Catch rate: 0.33 per trap net · typical 1.3–6.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 9, 1980	0.33	-	0.20 lbs	Standard trap 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 · 57

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.60 lbs

Catch rate: 1.7 per trap net · typical 0.5–2.2 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 9, 1980	1.67	-	0.60 lbs	Standard trap nets

Black Bullhead

Good · 50

Typical numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.15 lbs

Catch rate: 2.0 per trap net · typical 0.3–2.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 9, 1980	2.00	-	0.15 lbs	Standard trap 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).

Sunfish

20 combined total

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").

Bullhead

100

Biologist Notes

June 9, 1980All fish populations down now because of winter- kill last winter.

All fish populations down now because of winter- kill last winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Little Ranier?

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

Is there public access at Little Ranier?

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

How deep is Little Ranier?

Little Ranier has a maximum depth of 48 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Ranier is from 1980. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Little Ranier have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Little Ranier?

No — Little Ranier 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.