Lake of the Isles
About Lake of the Isles
Lake of the Isles is an 114-acre lake near Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 31 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 168 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake of the Isles
- 114 acres, up to 31 feet deep, near Minneapolis
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- 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 5.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 114 acres
- Max depth
- 31 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 89 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 carry-in access
- Swim beach
- Marina
- Picnic area
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Special regulations on this lake
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 6
- Years of record
- 168
- Earliest
- March 4, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 30, 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 Lake of the Isles
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Nearby Lakes
Cedar Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis164 acres
0.7 miles away
Bde Maka Ska Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis424 acres
1.1 miles away
Lake Harriet
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis341 acres
2.4 miles away
U.S. Lock & Dam #1 Pool
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Falcon Heights471 acres
3.1 miles away
St. Anthony Falls Pool
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis317 acres
3.9 miles away
Lake Nokomis
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis201 acres
4.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake of the Isles?
Lake of the Isles is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Minneapolis. It covers 114 acres and reaches 31 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake of the Isles?
Lake of the Isles covers 114 acres with about 3.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 31 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake of the Isles?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake of the Isles?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Lake of the Isles?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake of the Isles stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lake of the Isles; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake of the Isles?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Lake of the Isles?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 168 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 4, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Lake of the Isles have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake of the Isles as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.