Island Lake
About Island Lake
Island Lake is a 1,179-acre lake near Snellman in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 18, based on 21 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Island Lake
- 1,179 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Snellman
- 1 public boat launch (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 10.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,179 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 457 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
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
- 21
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 8, 2008
- Most recent
- May 8, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Island Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Sieverson Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Snellman82 acres
3.4 miles away
Shell Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Snellman3,147 acres
4.1 miles away
Height of Land Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes3,795 acres
4.4 miles away
Toad Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Osage1,715 acres
4.9 miles away
South Twin Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes150 acres
5.2 miles away
Ice Cracking Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford345 acres
5.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Island Lake?
Island Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Snellman. It covers 1,179 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Island Lake?
Island Lake covers 1,179 acres with about 14.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 feet.
What fish can you catch at Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Island Lake?
Yes. Island Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Island Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Island Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Island Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Island Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Island Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 21 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 8, 2008.