Island

Island Lake is a 240 acre lake, with a maximum depth of 37', located 4 miles southeast of Emily in Crow Wing County. Island is located in the Pine River watershed. A nearshore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. Ten 100' long sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lakeshore. Each station was then sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15' or 50' 1/8th inch seine. The survey took place on August 25, 2020, with all 10 stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 15' 1/8th inch seine was used at 6 stations. Soft bottom and heavy vegetation prevented the use of seines at the other 4 sampling sites. The 50' 1/8th inch seine was not used on Island due to steep shorelines, and/or heavy vegetation. Nine species were sampled. The only species sampled that is intolerant of habitat disturbance was Rock Bass. This nearshore survey will be used along with the gill net and trap net survey conducted on August 3-5, 2020 to calculate a Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health by the types of fish species present and comparing it to what is expected for this type of lake.

Island Lake is a 240 acre lake located 3 miles southeast of Emily, in Crow Wing County. A small public access is located on the east side of the lake. The maximum depth is 37' with 63% of the lake 15' deep or less. Walleyes are stocked as fingerlings once every three years (150 lbs). The gill net catch of 1.0/gill net was average compared to similar lakes. Average length was 21.8". The largest Walleye sampled was 27.4". Northern Pike numbers are low, but some nice fish are present. Northern Pike had an average length of 25.1", with the largest sampled being 36.1". Northern Pike in the protected 22"-26" slot made up 67% of the catch. Lakes in this part of the state have a new Northern Pike regulation enacted in 2018: possession limit of 10 with not more than 2 over 26". All from 22"-26" must be immediately released. Please refer to the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations for additional information. Black Crappies were sampled in high numbers in gill nets, and average numbers in trap nets when compared to similar lakes. Average length was 6.6" from gill net sampled fish, and 7.8" from trap nets. For both gears combined 23% measured at least 8.0" in length. Black Crappies in Island are slow growing compared to area lakes. Bluegills were sampled in low numbers in trap nets. Average length was 5.5", with 14% measuring at least 7.0" in length. No invasive species have been discovered in Island Lake, but they are located in the area. Before and after launching, lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as remove the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Special sampling was conducted on Island Lake in addition to the standard summer field work. IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) sampling was conducted on July 13, 2010 (see Island Lake 2010 Resurvey dated 8/2/2010) and also this repeat IBI survey on 8/20/2010. IBI sampling included backpack electrofishing and seining to more broadly sample the general fish community and develop a fish-based index of overall lake health.

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

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

Island has a maximum depth of 37 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Island is from 2020.

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.