Five Island Lake
About Five Island Lake
Five Island Lake is a 214-acre lake near Effie in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 12 feet, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Five Island Lake
- 214 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Effie
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 16.5 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 214 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Average depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 111 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
- Northern Pike 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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 Five Island Lake
Compare Five Island Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Five Island Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Five Island Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Five Island Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Five Island Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Buttonbox Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo81 acres
0.9 miles away
Battle Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie243 acres
2.3 miles away
Poplar Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo112 acres
2.4 miles away
Mirror Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo109 acres
2.7 miles away
Pickerel Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie241 acres
3.1 miles away
Deer Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie1,855 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Five Island Lake?
Five Island Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Effie. It covers 214 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Five Island Lake?
Five Island Lake covers 214 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet and its average depth is about 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Five Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Five Island Lake?
Yes. Five Island Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Five Island Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Five 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 Five Island Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Five Island Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.