Island Lake
About Island Lake
Island Lake is a 527-acre lake near Sturgeon Lake in Pine County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 20, based on 19 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Island Lake
- 527 acres, up to 42 feet deep, near Sturgeon Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 5.6 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 527 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 267 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 (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
- 13
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 19
- Earliest
- March 25, 2012
- Latest
- May 6, 2014
- Most recent
- April 20, 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 Island Lake
Compare Island Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Island Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Island Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Sand Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Moose Lake527 acres
1.5 miles away
Echo Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake108 acres
1.7 miles away
Sturgeon Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake1,706 acres
1.9 miles away
Eleven Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake108 acres
2.3 miles away
Moose Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake133 acres
2.7 miles away
Moosehead Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake279 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Island Lake?
Island Lake is in Pine County, Minnesota, near Sturgeon Lake. It covers 527 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Island Lake?
Island Lake covers 527 acres with about 7.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass 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 (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.
When does the ice go out on Island Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 19 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 25, 2012 and the latest is May 6, 2014.
Does Island Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Island Lake 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.