Island Lake
About Island Lake
Island Lake is a 285-acre lake near Deer River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 31 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Island Lake
- 285 acres, up to 31 feet deep, near Deer River
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- 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 5.2 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 285 acres
- Max depth
- 31 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 183 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
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- 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.
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Nearby Lakes
Cottonwood Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi133 acres
1.2 miles away
Fawn Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi190 acres
1.9 miles away
Moose Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River1,273 acres
2.9 miles away
Little Moose Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids289 acres
3.4 miles away
Little Bowstring Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River326 acres
4.2 miles away
Amen Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi215 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Island Lake?
Island Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. It covers 285 acres and reaches 31 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Island Lake?
Island Lake covers 285 acres with about 5.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 31 feet.
What fish can you catch at Island Lake?
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 Island Lake?
Yes. 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 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. Daily limit five.