Island Lake
About Island Lake
Island Lake is a 3,108-acre lake near Northome in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 northern pike and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Island Lake
- 3,108 acres, up to 35 feet deep, near Northome
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- 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 11.2 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 3,108 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,195 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
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
- 17
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
- Walleye: All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
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
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Nearby Lakes
Moose Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Northome412 acres
3.5 miles away
Bartlett Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreKoochiching · Northome304 acres
4.6 miles away
Shallow Pond
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Alvwood225 acres
4.7 miles away
Battle Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreKoochiching · Northome286 acres
6.4 miles away
Dora Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Wirt423 acres
10.1 miles away
Dark Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreKoochiching · Gemmell120 acres
11.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Island Lake?
Island Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Northome. It covers 3,108 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Island Lake?
Island Lake covers 3,108 acres with about 14.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 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 Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Island Lake?
Yes. Island Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), 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.
Are there special fishing regulations on Island Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". All from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.