Two Island

Two Island Lake is a medium-sized, 758-acre lake located off Ball Club Road, approximately 10 miles northwest of Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. There is a small boat access with a concrete ramp and dock located on the northeastern side of the lake. Two Island Lake has a maximum depth of 27.0 feet, and bottom substrates primarily consist of rock that forms many underwater points and islands, creating abundant habitat for smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass are currently one of the primary management species for the lake with special regulations in place to help maintain quality size structure. In 2025, a targeted survey was conducted on Two Island Lake using angling methods to collect length, age, and growth information on smallmouth bass. A total of 50 smallmouth bass were caught during the 2025 survey, ranging in length from 7.7 to 17.9 inches and averaging 12.7 inches. Size distributions of smallmouth bass were relatively good with 72% of the catch exceeding 11.0 inches and 26% exceeding 14.0 inches, meeting the management goals set for smallmouth bass related to size. Age analysis revealed seven age classes present within the population that were all naturally reproduced, with some fish reaching 13 years old. Smallmouth bass growth was relatively slow, taking fish seven years to reach 14.0 inches on average. Although smallmouth bass growth was slow, fish have the potential to reach relatively large sizes within Two Island Lake. Anglers looking to target smallmouth bass on Two Island Lake can expect moderate catch rates with the opportunity to catch quality sized fish that will satisfy the avid bass angler.

Two Island Lake is a 753 acre lake located approximately 15 miles north of Grand Marais. Public access is through a concrete landing located within the US Forest Service campground on the east end of the lake. Walleye and smallmouth bass are the primary management species for Two Island Lake. Since 1996, a special regulation was put on smallmouth bass in an attempt to improve the size structure of the population. The current regulation places a 12 inch maximum size limit, with harvest of only one fish over 20 inches allowed. Smallmouth bass abundance in Two Island Lake remains good, with similar catch rates going back to 2003. Catch rates are well above the 75% percentile for similar area lakes and indicate a quality population. Smallmouth bass ranged from 9.7 to 19.8 inches with a mean length of 14.6 inches. Aging results found 11 naturally reproduced year classes with the oldest individual being 16 years old. Growth rates appeared to be average, however this is quite good considering how abundant smallmouth bass are in the lake. Smallmouth bass regulations are continuing to work in Two Island Lake and support a relatively high-density smallmouth bass population with the capability of producing large individuals. This is one of the better smallmouth fisheries in the area. Walleye abundance was the highest recorded since 1966 and is well above the current management goal for Two Island Lake. This is also above average for similar area lakes. The trap net catch was also high with young of year (YOY) and other smaller sized walleye. Walleye ranged between 8.5 to 24.3 inches with a mean length of 14.3 inches. Aging results found 13 naturally reproduced year classes, with strong year classes in 2018 (age 5), 2019 (age 4), and 2021 (age 2). Growth appears to be good considering relatively high densities of walleye. Northern pike catches were again low in 2023 and similar to historic catches in Two Island. This is below average for similar area lakes. Northern pike ranged between 9.2 and 27.0 inches with a mean length of 19.4 inches. Northern pike might not be a targeted fish in Two Island but will provide additional action for multi species anglers. Bluegill catch rates were slightly higher than the 2016 survey and above average for similar area lakes. Bluegill sizes ranged from 3.7 to 9.5 inches with a mean length of 5.2 inches. Two Island continues to support a fishable bluegill population with some large sized fish, which is relatively rare for the Grand Marais area. The white sucker catch was one of the higher values recorded in recent years but remain below average for similar area lakes. Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.

Two Island Lake is located approximately 15 miles north of the City of Grand Marais. The public access is located within the US Forest Service campground on the east end of the lake. Two Island Lake is an Ecological Class 16 lake, which is characterized by moderately irregular shorelines, high littoral coverage, and soft (unmineralized) tannin-stained water. Most of the shoreline is forested, with light private development limited to the northern shoreline. Walleye and Smallmouth Bass are the primary management species for Two Island Lake. The 2016 standard survey of Two Island Lake was the first of three scheduled in the 2014 lake management plan to monitor the fish community as a whole, and to determine if long-term goals for the Walleye and Smallmouth Bass populations are being met. Since 1996 a special regulation on Smallmouth Bass harvest has been in place in an attempt to improve the size structure of the population. The current regulation allows a 12-in maximum size limit, with harvest of one fish over 20 inches allowed. All other species present in Two Island Lake are subject to statewide harvest regulations. Two Island Lake has not been stocked since 1994 (Walleye); all fish sampled in this survey were naturally produced. Smallmouth Bass were abundant and large in Two Island Lake in 2016. The gill net catch was well above the normal range for Class 16 lakes, but was similar to past catches observed in this lake. The mean weight of gill-net-sampled Smallmouth Bass in 2016 was the highest recorded to date, which continued a trend of increasing mean weight in each survey since special regulations were implemented in 1996. Trap net catches of Smallmouth Bass were similarly high, but fish sampled in that gear tended to be smaller. Many year classes contributed to the 2016 sample, including some very old fish. Reproduction appeared consistent in recent years with no missing year classes between ages 1 and 6. Growth rates of younger Smallmouth Bass sampled in 2016 were above average. Currently, it appears that the special regulation on Smallmouth Bass has been effective at maintaining a high quality population in this lake. Grand Marais area fisheries is proposing a relaxation of this regulation to a 14-inch maximum size limit, with one fish over 20 inches allowed in possession, on this and other lakes currently under 12-inch maximum size regulation. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments regarding the proposed regulation change, and to participate in public meetings planned for fall 2017. Walleye gill net catches in Two Island Lake have remained fairly stable since 1970. The 2016 gill net catch fell within the normal range for Class 16 Lakes, and met the long-range catch goal identified for the Walleye population. The trap net catch of Walleye in 2016 was also similar to results from recent surveys of Two Island Lake. Walleye reproduction has been very consistent in Two Island Lake since 2009, with no apparent year class failures and multiple stronger year classes evident. Growth rates of Walleye sampled in this survey were about average; fish reached a mean length of 13.1 inches at the end of their fourth year compared to an average of 13.9 inches for similar lakes in the Grand Marais area. Larger Walleye may be sparse in Two Island Lake at this time; just a single fish over 20 inches was sampled in 2016. Since 1982 Northern Pike gill net catches in Two Island Lake have typically fallen near the lower end of the normal range for this lake class. Similarly, the 2016 Northern Pike gill net catch fell slightly below this range, but was within the historical range of catch rates previously observed on this lake. The sample was dominated by two- and three-year-old fish, while the oldest sampled was six years old. Growth rates of sampled Northern Pike were relatively fast; on average fish reached 20.0 inches at end of their third year compared to an average of 18.1 inches for similar lakes in the area. Beyond fair numbers of medium-sized Northern Pike, Two Island Lake has also proven capable of producing some fish over 30 inches. The Yellow Perch gill net catch in 2016 was low for this lake class, and in comparison to past catches from this lake. Gill net catches of this species have fluctuated in Two Island Lake; however, in most surveys catches have typically fallen within the expected range for this type of lake. Yellow Perch are an important forage species in Two Island Lake, and an extended decline of this population may have repercussions on the predator populations. Fair numbers of Yellow Perch were sampled in 2012, so additional surveys are needed to determine the true status of this population. Two Island Lake continues to support a modest Bluegill population, which is rare for lakes in the Grand Marais fisheries area. The 2016 sample included a variety of ages and sizes indicating that reproduction and survival of Bluegill has been fairly consistent in recent years. Similar to past surveys, a few Pumpkinseed Sunfish were also sampled in 2016. The White Sucker gill net catch in 2016 fell below the first quartile for the lake class, although catches of this species have remained fairly low in Two Island Lake for many years. No other fish species were sampled in 2016. Additional species sampled in past surveys of Two Island Lake include Blacknose Shiner, Longnose Dace, and Finescale Dace. As of 2016, no aquatic invasive species had been reported or identified in Two Island Lake. Anglers and boaters are reminded to review the recommended actions for cleaning watercraft and gear before and after accessing any waterbody, and to adhere to all Minnesota aquatic invasive species laws to protect Minnesota lakes and rivers from additional infestations.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed in Two Island. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Two Island. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Two Island has a maximum depth of 27 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Two Island is from 2025.

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