Cedar Island

Cedar Island Lake is located approximately 2 miles S of Biwabik. One of several lakes connected by the Embarrass River, it is considered to be highly developed by local standards. Much of the lake has depths less than 6 feet and the water clarity is poor with dark, bog stained water. Water level fluctuations are common on this riverine lake. There is no designated public access for Cedar Island Lake. There are only private properties and one camp located around the lake. Thirteen species of fish were sampled during the 2018 survey. Northern pike comprised 31% of the gill net catch, while bluegill (46%) dominated the trap net catch. Walleye were sampled in relatively average numbers with both gear types. Several black crappie and one channel catfish were sampled in 2018. Largemouth bass were observed in northern pike stomach samples. Several rusty crayfish and one chinese mystery snail were also sampled in the nets. Northern pike numbers in 2018 (6.8/gill net) were similar to the historic average for this lake (6.5/gill net) and above average (5.0/gill net) compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average pike sampled measured 18.5 inches which is larger than the historic average length of 16.9 inches. The largest pike sampled in 2018 was 34.7 inches long. Bluegill abundance in 2018 (12.9/trap net) was higher than the historic average (7.8/trap net) and also above average (3.8/trap net) when compared to other area lakes that are similar. The average bluegill sampled was 6.9 inches long. Twenty-two percent of the bluegill sampled were 8 inches or larger with a maximum length of 9.0 inches recorded. Walleye numbers in 2018 (2.8/gill net) were higher than the historic average (1.7/gill net) and similar to the average catch (2.6/gill net) when comparing other area lakes that are similar in nature. The average walleye sampled from the gill nets was 14.8 inches. Thirteen walleye of similar sizes were also sampled in the trap nets. The largest walleye sampled in 2018 was 28.6 inches long and 16 years old.

By numbers in the gillnet catch was dominated by northern pike, white sucker and shorthead redhorse. Walleye, yellow bullhead and rock bass were present in numbers between 1 and 2/gillnet and other species were less than 1/net. By weight the gillnet catch was dominated by white sucker, shorthead redhorse and northern pike, in the order. Walleye are present in below average numbers and weights/net for the Ely area, but are within the average range for the Schupp's Lake class 15.

The lake supported a low populaiton of walleye with a fairly even age-class distribution. A very high population of 2-3 year old northern pike existed. Medium numbers of crappies existed in the lake, mostly between 5 & 7 years of age. A slightly high number of suckers, mostly from 4-8 years are present in lake. Bluegill-below state average, but of good size. Perch present in average or slightly above average numbers, in contrast to low population in 1947.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Bluegill, Rock Bass, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Yellow Perch in Cedar Island. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Cedar Island. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Cedar Island has a maximum depth of 20 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Cedar Island is from 2018. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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