High Island Lake
About High Island Lake
High Island Lake is a 1,340-acre lake near New Auburn in Sibley County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 16.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. Ice typically goes out around April 3, based on 17 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to High Island Lake
- 1,340 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near New Auburn
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,340 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 16.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,340 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
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- 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 3
- Years of record
- 17
- Earliest
- March 12, 2016
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- April 13, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to High Island Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Schilling Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreSibley · New Auburn763 acres
2.3 miles away
Silver Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreSibley · Arlington652 acres
11.9 miles away
Lake Marion
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreMcLeod · Brownton520 acres
12.2 miles away
Round Grove Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreMcLeod · Stewart (McLeod)296 acres
14.5 miles away
Silver Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreMcLeod · Silver Lake453 acres
15.9 miles away
Eagle Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Young America (subdivision)183 acres
16.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is High Island Lake?
High Island Lake is in Sibley County, Minnesota, near New Auburn. It covers 1,340 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is High Island Lake?
High Island Lake covers 1,340 acres with about 16.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at High Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on High Island Lake?
Yes. High Island Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at High Island Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at High 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 High Island Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for High Island Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on High Island Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 3, from 17 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 12, 2016 and the latest is April 30, 2018.