Little Winnibigoshish Lake
Itasca County, MinnesotaEutrophic
Little Winnibigoshish Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Itasca County, Minnesota. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2025. The lake supports 1 documented fish species including black bullhead,black crappie,bluegill,bowfin (dogfish),brown bullhead,hybrid sunfish,largemouth bass,northern pike,pumpkinseed,rock bass,shorthead redhorse,tullibee (cisco),walleye,white sucker,yellow bullhead,yellow perch. Compared to the 140 other monitored lakes in Itasca County, Little Winnibigoshish Lake ranks #119 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2025-10-23. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8.4 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 10.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 50.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8.4 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 10.5 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 50 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Little Winnibigoshish Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Little Winnibigoshish Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Little Winnibigoshish Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #119 of 141 lakes in Itasca County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Little Winnibigoshish Lake holds Grade C. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ATamarack Bay LakeCass County · mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BSix Mile LakeCass County · mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BSchoolhouse LakeItasca County · mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- CCut Foot Sioux LakeItasca County · mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Itasca County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Little Winnibigoshish Lake
Other Grade C Lakes in Minnesota
Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2025-10-23
Monitoring stations: 1