Island Lake
About Island Lake
Island Lake is a 232-acre lake near Cross Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 76 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.9 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Island Lake
- 232 acres, up to 76 feet deep, near Cross Lake
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- 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 15.9 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 232 acres
- Max depth
- 76 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 85 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
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
- 19
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
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
Ox Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Manhattan Beach241 acres
0.8 miles away
Rush Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake858 acres
1.2 miles away
Big Trout Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Manhattan Beach1,366 acres
1.2 miles away
Daggett Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake258 acres
2.4 miles away
Cross Lake Reservoir
76 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake1,815 acres
2.9 miles away
Little Pine Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake330 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Island Lake?
Island Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Cross Lake. It covers 232 acres and reaches 76 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Island Lake?
Island Lake covers 232 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 76 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 Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Island Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
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 five.
Does Island Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists 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.