Island Lake
About Island Lake
Island Lake is a 44-acre lake near Zerkel in Clearwater County, Minnesota. It reaches 58 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including rainbow trout and brown trout. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Island Lake
- 44 acres, up to 58 feet deep, near Zerkel
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: rainbow trout and brown trout
- Average water clarity around 10.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 44 acres
- Max depth
- 58 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 27 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 2
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Island Lake
Compare Island Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Roy Lake
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4.4 miles away
Bass Lake
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5.1 miles away
Rockstad Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Zerkel142 acres
5.4 miles away
Long Lost Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Zerkel539 acres
6.4 miles away
North Twin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush966 acres
6.8 miles away
Lone Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Jack Pine112 acres
6.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Island Lake?
Island Lake is in Clearwater County, Minnesota, near Zerkel. It covers 44 acres and reaches 58 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Island Lake?
Island Lake covers 44 acres with about 1.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 58 feet.
What fish can you catch at Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. 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 (gravel or earth), 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?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Island Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.