Silver Island Lake
About Silver Island Lake
Silver Island Lake is a 1,239-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 16.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.7 feet. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Silver Island Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Silver Island Lake
- 1,239 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Isabella
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 4.7 feet
- Camping close to the water at Silver Island Lake Campground
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,239 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 16.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,222 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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
- 1 portage access
- Camping: Silver Island Lake Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Silver Island Lake Campground is mapped on or near Silver Island Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Silver Island Lake
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Nearby Lakes
T Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Schroeder295 acres
1.7 miles away
Wye Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella52 acres
2.2 miles away
Windy Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella456 acres
2.9 miles away
Coffee Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella129 acres
4.1 miles away
Lake Harriet
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella265 acres
4.5 miles away
Whitefish Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Tofte346 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Silver Island Lake?
Silver Island Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 1,239 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Silver Island Lake?
Silver Island Lake covers 1,239 acres with about 16.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Silver Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Lake Whitefish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Silver Island Lake?
Yes. Silver Island Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Silver Island Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Silver 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 Silver Island Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Silver Island Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Silver Island Lake?
Yes. Silver Island Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.