Farm Island Lake
About Farm Island Lake
Farm Island Lake is a 2,005-acre lake near Bennettville in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 18, based on 78 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Farm Island Lake
- 2,005 acres, up to 56 feet deep, near Bennettville
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9.9 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,005 acres
- Max depth
- 56 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 883 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 16-19" must be immediately released.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 18
- Years of record
- 78
- Earliest
- March 14, 2024
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- April 18, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Farm Island Lake
Compare Farm Island Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Farm Island Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Farm Island Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Farm Island Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Farm Island Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little Pine Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin226 acres
1.9 miles away
Sunset Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin221 acres
2 miles away
Hickory Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin212 acres
2.3 miles away
Thornton Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Deerwood (Crow Wing)161 acres
2.4 miles away
Long / Tame Fish Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)127 acres
2.5 miles away
Shirt Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)231 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Farm Island Lake?
Farm Island Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Bennettville. It covers 2,005 acres and reaches 56 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Farm Island Lake?
Farm Island Lake covers 2,005 acres with about 14.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 56 feet.
What fish can you catch at Farm Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Farm Island Lake?
Yes. Farm Island Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Farm Island Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Farm Island Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Farm Island Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Farm Island Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Farm Island Lake?
Yes. All from 16-19" must be immediately released.
When does the ice go out on Farm Island Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 78 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2024 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Does Farm Island Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Farm Island Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.