Island

Island Lake is located in the northeastern part of Aitkin County approximately seven miles northwest of Tamarack. The lake is 243 acres in size the majority of which is less than 15 feet deep. The lake has a maximum depth of 25 feet and a secchi disk reading of 6.5 feet. A variety of fish species are present in Island Lake including northern pike, bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and yellow bullhead, however, most of these fish are small and grow slowly. Northern pike gillnet catches reached an all time low in 2005 at 2.3 per net. Historically pike catch rates have ranged from 5 to 7 fish per net since 1975. Pike ranged in size from 15 to 26 inches total length with a mean length of 22 inches. Growth for larger pike is slow and are consequently susceptible to over harvest in this infertile lake. Bluegill catch rates were also at the lowest level ever observed on the lake at 15 fish per trap net. Trap net catches for bluegill have varied from 36 to 88 fish per net dating back to 1975. The growth of bluegill in Island Lake is quite slow, as it would take 6 to 8 years to produce a six-inch bluegill. Black crappie abundance has fluctuated greatly over time, which is normal for this species. Crappies hatched in 2001 and 2002 are 4 to 6 inches long and are the most abundant year classes in the fishery. In a couple of years these fish will grow to be an acceptable size to anglers. Other species present in low abundance include bowfin, largemouth bass, brown bullhead and yellow perch. A commercial fish distributor stocked walleyes in 1989, however, no walleye have been sampled in subsequent DNR lake surveys indicating poor survival. Low forage abundance and predation by northern pike will likely hinder survival of stocked fingerlings in Island Lake. Yellow bullheads do well in the lake and yet only a few are likely to be harvested by anglers.Island Lake is a remote, quiet lake with a limited amount of development along the eastern shoreline, which is viewed as a positive aspect for anglers and residents on the lake. The infertile water and slow growth of fish will limit the lakes potential to produce large numbers of quality fish. Catch and release of larger northern pike and panfish is encouraged to maintain a well-balanced fishery. Responsible shoreline management practices will help maintain the habitat and natural qualities of the lake.

Island Lake contains abundant populations of bluegills, black crappies and yellow bullheads, however most of these fish are small and grow slowly. The average bluegill is 5.7 inches long and seven years old. The average black crappie is 7.6 inches long and six years old. Such slow growth limits the establishment of a quality fishery for either species. Crappie numbers will likely decrease and the average size will increase in the next year or two due to mortality of older crappies and lack of a strong younger year class. Northern pike abundance continues to be about average for this type of lake, and includes just a few quality-sized fish. Growth for larger pike is slow and larger fish are susceptible to overharvest in this infertile lake. Yellow perch abundance is low due to either high predation by northern pike and other predators, which have few alternative prey choices, or by poor reproduction. Walleyes were not caught in this survey and residents stated that few walleyes were caught in the last several years. Walleyes were stocked in 1989 by a commercial fish distributor. Low forage abundance, predation by northern pike and limited spawning habitat will continue to hinder walleye survival in Island Lake. Yellow bullheads do well in the lake, averaging 0.5 pound each, and yet only a few are likely to be harvested by anglers. Island Lake is relatively isolated, which is viewed as a positive aspect for anglers and residents on the lake.

The trap net index for largemouth bass is lower than the first regional quartile. Northern pike ranged from two to eight plus years of age with a strong year class in 1983. The second, third, fifth, sixth and seventh growth increments range from twenty seven to seventy one percent slower than normal. Growth rates for the remaining increments were normal. Bluegill ranged from two through seven years of age with a strong year class in 1984. Third, fourth and fifth growth increments ranged from thirty to seventy-three percent slower than normal growth rates for all other increments were normal. Black crappie ranged from two to four years of age growth rates for the second and fourth increments were slower than normal. Growth rates for all other increments were normal. Yellow perch ranged from three to five years of age. Growth rates for the second, third, and fourth increments ranged from forty-seven to fifty-three percent slower than normal. Growth rates for the first and fifth growth increments were normal.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill in Island. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Island. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Island has a maximum depth of 25 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Island is from 2005. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Island in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.