Island

Island Lake is a small, mesotrophic lake near Grand Rapids, MN. The lake consists of two distinct interconnected basins. The main basin features a small, sedge covered island and a larger forested island. Island Lake receives water from Horseshoe and Spring lakes and outlets to the Prairie River via Hay Lake and Hay Creek. A population assessment was conducted in July of 2012 to determine the status of the fish community and collect data needed to assign a lake class. The assessment consisted of two gill nets and four trap nets set for a single night. Caution should be used when interpreting data, given the limited number of nets. The lake is difficult to sample due to sharp drop-offs, densely vegetated shoal areas, and shallow thermocline. Oxygen was depleted by 10 feet, limiting potential gill net locations. The lake was also sounded for bathymetric contours during the assessment. The lake was relatively pristine, with only 2 dwellings present. The shoreline was in a natural state and emergent and floating vegetation rings the entire lake. Dense Chara spp. was found throughout the shoal areas and submergent vegetation was found throughout the littoral area. The water was relatively clear with a Secchi disk reading of 11 feet and was bog stained. Northern pike were the primary fish captured in the gill nets. The catch was average compared to lakes with similar habitats. The size structure was good, as 40% exceeded 28 inches and 10% exceeded 34 inches. Pike ranged from 14.6 to 36.8 inches and averaged 22.7 inches. Growth was near the statewide average as individuals typically exceeded 21 inches by age 4 and 28 inches by age 8. Island Lake is difficult to sample with trap nets due to thick vegetation and sharp drop offs. Only four trap nets were set. Bluegills were the most common fish in the trap nets and the catch was typical for the lake type. Bluegills were generally of a quality size, ranging from 3.3 to 8.9 inches with a mean of 6.5 inches. Lake class 33 produces moderate growing bluegill and growth from Island Lake was similar to the lake class average as individuals exceeded 6 inches by age 5 and 8 inches by age 7. Recruitment appeared inconsistent. Bluegill averaged 4.9 years of age. Good angling opportunities may exist for bluegill given the quality size and age structures. Largemouth bass and black crappie are difficult to catch with standard test nets. Black crappies were captured at a typical rate for the lake type. Size ranged from 6.0 to 10.2 inches and averaged 8.1 inches. Growth was near the statewide average as individuals exceeded 8 inches by age 5. Recruitment appeared inconsistent. Two largemouth bass were captured. The largest bass was 19.3 inches, indicating the potential to produce quality-sized bass. Other species captured included bowfin and pumpkinseed sunfish. Island Lake is not known to contain exotic aquatic species. Anglers and boaters are reminded to help stop the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers, and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

Panfish and N Pike population considerably above state and local medians. Perch population appears to be at a low level.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch 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 45 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Island is from 2012. 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.