Delay

Delay Lake is located two miles east of Isabella off of the Wanless Road. The lake is managed for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass with Walleye fingerlings stocked during the fall of odd numbered years. There is a small gravel access suited for small, trailered or carry-in boats on the north side of the road (south shore of the lake) with parking for one to two vehicles on the south side of the road. Extreme caution should be used since this access is located on a curve in the road and visibility from either direction is poor. A lake survey was conducted in July of 2025 to assess the effectiveness of the Walleye stocking and to update information on the fish community. The catch of Walleye was lower than in the last few surveys but was within the normal range for similar lakes and still adequate to provide anglers with opportunities to target Walleye. On average, the Walleye sampled were 18 inches long with the largest fish measuring 25 inches long. Based on age estimates, all of the Walleye sampled were from stocked years with most of the fish originating from 2020 and 2021 stockings. This suggests that there is little or no successful natural reproduction and that stocking is necessary to maintain a fishable Walleye population in the lake. The Northern Pike catch was higher than the last two surveys but within the normal range for this type of lake. One 39-inch Northern Pike was sampled, while the rest of the fish ranged from 21 to 26 inches, suggesting good opportunities for anglers to harvest pike if encountered. Pike successfully reproduce most years in Delay Lake and should continue to provide angling opportunities into the future. Catch of Smallmouth Bass was within the range that has been observed in past surveys of Delay Lake. Fish up to 18.5 inches long were sampled with a good number of ages represented. This suggests that Smallmouth Bass reproduce consistently enough to maintain a population, and that they can survive and grow to catchable sizes in the lake. Rock Bass along with a few White Sucker and Yellow Perch are also present in the lake.

Delay Lake is located about 2.5 miles east of Isabella within the Superior National Forest. There is a small public access with earthen ramp on the north side of the Wanless Road (Forest Service 172) with limited room to turn around or park. Backing a trailer is problematic as there are curves in the road in both directions making small, light boats or canoes the best option. Most of the shoreline is owned by the US Forest Service with the exception of a few privately owned cabins that are located on land leased from Lake County. The lake is actively managed for Walleye with 100 pounds of fingerlings currently stocked in two consecutive years followed by two non-stocked years. Gill net catch in 2020 was similar to previous surveys of the lake and within the normal range for similar lakes. Age analysis determined 100% of the catch was from stocked year classes. Growth is good with Walleye reaching about 14.5 inches by age-4. Results indicate the current stocking strategy has been successful at providing an average Walleye population with good numbers of quality sized fish. Smallmouth Bass provide anglers with additional opportunities and the 2020 gill net catch was similar to previous surveys and within the normal range for the lake. Size of fish ranged from 9.8 to 17.4 inches with an average of 12.9 inches and 1.05 pounds. Age analysis determined eight year classes were present indicating a stable population with regular natural reproduction. Results from the 2020 survey also indicate a small Northern Pike population continues to be present in the lake. Although not abundant pike can occasionally reach large size and have the potential to provide a memorable fishing experience for anglers. Catch rates for common forage species remained low. Few White Sucker and no Yellow Perch were sampled. Good growth rates for predator species suggest other forage fish not sampled well with standard survey gear may also be important to the fish community. Future surveys will continue to monitor these populations to understand the relationship between predator and prey species in the lake.

Delay Lake has an area of 102 acres with a maximum depth of 18 feet and has fairly clear water with a slight green tint. The lake is located 2.5 miles east of Isabella on the Wanless Road (USFS Rd 172). The access to the lake is an earthen back-in to the outlet channel off of the Wanless Road; there is little room to turn around or park. It is best suited to small, light boats or canoes as there are curves in both directions along the road making backing a trailer a bit unsafe. The shoreline is owned by the U.S. Forest Service with the exception of the south shore along the Wanless Road, which is Lake County land that is privately leased with five cabins present. Walleye is the primary species managed in Delay Lake. The 2016 Walleye gill net catch in 4 sets was 7.0/net, with an average weight of 1.3 pounds; average numbers and size relative to similar lakes. Trap net catch in 9 sets was 0.7/net with an average weight of 1.8 pounds. The largest fish sampled in both gear types was 26.9 inches long and weighed 5 pounds. The Walleye population is maintained through stocking. Delay Lake is stocked with Walleye fingerlings in two consecutive years followed by two un-stocked years at a rate of 100 pounds per stocking event. In 2016, all fish aged were from stocked years. Smallmouth Bass may provide some angling opportunities as well. The Smallmouth Bass gill net catch was 4.3/net, with an average weight of 1 pound. Trap net catch was 2.7/net, with an average weight of 0.3 pounds. The largest fish sampled in all gear types was 17.6 inches long and weighed 2.8 pounds. Catch rates, size and growth of Smallmouth Bass were average by Finland Area standards. Four Northern Pike were sampled in trap nets for a catch of 0.4/net with an average weight of 4.7 pounds. Average weight was greatly influenced by one fish that was 40.2 inches long. Rock Bass gill net catch of 1.5/net and average weight of 0.3 pounds were average by area standards. Trap net catch of 3.0/net was double the area average, while average weight of 0.2 pounds was comparable to what has been observed in other area lakes. Four White Sucker were sampled in gill nets with an average weight of 1.3 pounds.

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

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

Delay has a maximum depth of 18 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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