Lake of the Isles

Lake of the Isles is a 112 acre lake located in the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. The lake has a maximum depth of 31 feet, but the majority of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Vegetation can be very abundant in Lake of the Isles, which may create challenges for angling. Lake of the Isles is not stocked, however naturally reproducing populations of Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Black Crappie create a self-sustaining fishery. The entire shoreline of the lake is owned by the city of Minneapolis and is maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department. There is a walking path around the shoreline of the lake. Boaters are not allowed to use gas motors on Lake of the Isles, and the lake is very popular among kayakers, canoers, and paddle boarders. There are two canoe launches on Lake of the Isles, and people trailering larger boats should consider accessing Lake of the Isles through the channel connecting to Bde Maka Ska, where there is a public concrete boat ramp. A Standard Survey consisting of 6 gill nets and 9 trap nets was conducted in 2024 to assess the game fish populations. The lake holds good numbers of Northern Pike. They tend to medium-sized and should offer good angling opportunity. The average size of Northern Pike in 2024's survey was 23.7 inches and 3.0 pounds. The largest Northern Pike sampled was 32.8 inches long, and 76% of the fish sampled were over 21 inches long. Largemouth Bass sampling was not conducted in this survey however several bass were incidentally sampled by gill net. The fish ranged between 7.4 and 17.9 inches long. Lake of the Isles offers good quality habitat for Largemouth Bass. Walleye are not stocked into Lake of the Isles, however one 9.5 inch fish was sampled in 2024. It most likely moved into the lake from Bde Maka Ska, where they are stocked. Bluegill were sampled in numbers that are typical for this type of lake. The fish tended to be small in this survey, with an average size of 4.9 inches. Only 16% of the sampled Bluegill were larger than 6 inches. Black Crappie were sampled in lower numbers for this type of lake, and 32% of the sampled fish exceeded 8 inches. Other fish sampled in low abundance included Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch.

Lake of the Isles is a 109 acre, Class 38 lake located in the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. The entire lake lies within the City of Minneapolis, and its entire shoreline is owned and maintained by their parks department. The lake has several surface use restrictions, one of which is electric motors only. In 2019, a standard survey was conducted to determine the species composition and abundance of game fish in the lake. Walleye are not stocked into Lake of the Isles; however, several were sampled in this assessment. These fish most likely migrated into the lake from Cedar and Bde Maka ska. Lake of the Isles Walleye abundance was below average compared to similar lakes. Fish ranged between 18.5 and 24.0 inches, and the average size was 20.9 inches and 3.16 pounds. Five year-classes were sampled; the oldest was age nine. Northern Pike abundance increased considerably from the 2014 survey (15.5 fish per gill net compared to 3.17 fish per gill net), which is well above average. With the higher number of Northern Pike caught, the average length and weight both decreased compared to the 2014 survey (21.2 average length and 2.1 pounds). Panfish numbers are similar to previous surveys; catch was high, size structure was small. Bluegill abundance was well above average compared to similar lakes and the average size was 5.46 inches. Only 5% of the sampled Bluegill exceeded 7 inches. Black Crappie abundance was well-below average compared to similar lakes. The average size of trap netted Black Crappie was 7.2 inches and 0.56 pounds. Other fish sampled in low abundance included Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch.

Lake of the Isles is a 109 acre lake in Minneapolis. It is between Cedar Lake and Lake Calhoun and connected to both by navigable channels. There are several carry-in canoe or kayak locations at multiple points along the shore, although larger boats will need to access through Lake Calhoun (has a boat ramp & limited on-street parking) or Cedar Lake. Motor use is restricted to electric only. In 2014, a population assessment was conducted to determine the species composition and abundance of game fish in the lake. Although Walleye are not stocked into Lake of the Isles, several were sampled in the 2014 assessment. More than likely, they immigrated via channels from either or both Cedar and Calhoun (both regularly stocked). The relative abundance of Walleye (2.5 per gill net) is higher than average for this type of lake. The fish are also of good size; they averaged 19.3 inches and 2.49 pounds. Walleye grow fast in Lake of the Isles, reaching 16.2 inches by age 3. Northern Pike were moderately abundant and of good size. The fish averaged 24.9 inches and 3.67 pounds, with the largest fish measuring 30.4 inches in length. Eighty-six percent of the sampled Northern Pike exceeded 21 inches, and 19% exceeded 28 inches. These fish grew fast, reaching 24.3 inches by age 3 and 27.2 inches by age 5. Lake of the Isles has a history of small-sized panfish, and 2014 was no different. Bluegill are present in above average numbers (32 per gill net), with the majority below angler-preferred sizes. Only 1% of the sampled Bluegill exceeded 7 inches. Six percent of Black Crappie in trap nets exceeded 9 inches; trap-net abundance was near the Lake-Class median. The average size of trap netted Crappie was 7.3 inches and 0.19 pounds. Yellow Perch were sparse (gill net sample below the Lake Class' first quartile) and small; most were in the 6-inch size class, with none larger. Other fish sampled in low abundance included Tiger Muskellunge (last stocked in 2007; Calhoun and Cedar were last stocked in 2009 and 2007, respectively), Largemouth Bass, Common Carp, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed and Bowfin.

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

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

Lake of the Isles has a maximum depth of 31 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Lake of the Isles is from 2024.

Yes — Lake of the Isles has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.