Little McCarthy
A 62-acre lake near Cooley in Itasca County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1980.
Fish Species (10)
Yellow Perch
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 |
Black Crappie
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 |
Rock Bass
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 |
Pumpkinseed
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 |
Northern Pike
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 |
Walleye
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 |
Bluegill
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 |
Largemouth Bass
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.
White Sucker
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 |
Black Bullhead
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 |
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.
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Bluegill
Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 62.06 acres
- Max Depth
- 24 ft
- Mean Depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.54 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed