Three Island Lake
About Three Island Lake
Three Island Lake is a 729-acre lake near Turtle River in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Three Island Lake
- 729 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Turtle River
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 6.7 feet
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 729 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 635 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 16
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 23
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- March 23, 2012
- Latest
- May 7, 2013
- Most recent
- April 24, 2019
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Three Island Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Black Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River271 acres
1 miles away
Fox Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Werner165 acres
2 miles away
Beltrami Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji726 acres
2 miles away
Turtle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji1,607 acres
2.9 miles away
Movil Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji855 acres
3.4 miles away
Larson Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Puposky203 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Three Island Lake?
Three Island Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Turtle River. It covers 729 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Three Island Lake?
Three Island Lake covers 729 acres with about 10.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Three Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Three Island Lake?
Yes. Three Island Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Three Island Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Three 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 Three Island Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Three Island Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Three Island Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Three Island Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 23, 2012 and the latest is May 7, 2013.
Does Three Island Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Three Island Lake as infested with starry stonewort. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.