Island Lake Reservoir
About Island Lake Reservoir
Island Lake Reservoir is an 8,001-acre reservoir near Duluth in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 94 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 116.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 24, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Island Lake Reservoir
- 8,001 acres, up to 94 feet deep, near Duluth
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.2 feet
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 8,001 acres
- Max depth
- 94 ft
- Shoreline
- 116.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 3,260 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- 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
- 13
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 15-20" must be immediately released. Possession limit 10, only one over 20" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 24
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- March 17, 2024
- Latest
- May 17, 2013
- Most recent
- March 17, 2024
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 Reservoir
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Nearby Lakes
Flowage
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth112 acres
2.1 miles away
Schultz Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Fredenberg210 acres
2.4 miles away
Boulder Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth3,260 acres
3.4 miles away
Morgan Lake
17 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth104 acres
4.5 miles away
Fish Lake Flowage
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth3,259 acres
6.5 miles away
Eagle Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Arnold113 acres
6.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Island Lake Reservoir?
Island Lake Reservoir is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Duluth. It covers 8,001 acres and reaches 94 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Island Lake Reservoir?
Island Lake Reservoir covers 8,001 acres with about 116.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 94 feet.
What fish can you catch at Island Lake Reservoir?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Reservoir?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Island Lake Reservoir?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Island Lake Reservoir. 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 Reservoir stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Island Lake Reservoir; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Island Lake Reservoir?
Yes. All from 15-20" must be immediately released. Possession limit 10, only one over 20" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Island Lake Reservoir?
The median ice-out date is April 24, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2024 and the latest is May 17, 2013.
Does Island Lake Reservoir have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Island Lake Reservoir as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.