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Frequently Asked Questions About Island River, MN
- How big is Island River?
- How deep is Island River?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Island River?
- Are there places to stay in the Island River area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Island River?
- What is the average air temp for Island River?
- Are there any state parks near Island River?
How big is Island River?
How deep is Island River?
What kind of fish can you catch in Island River?
Other fish species in the lake include Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Island River area?
More Lodging Options
Are there places to eat and drink near Island River?
Explore the Island River area in a RV
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Adventure Awaits in the 2021 Heartland Mallard Pathfinder P16SRD
Hermantown, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
The walleye numbers sampled in Island River Lake was below average for the lake class, but was similar to past investigations on this lake. The average length was 14.6 inches with one 26 inch walleye sampled. The walleye population in Island River Lake is self-sustaining.
Northern pike numbers were also lower than average for the lake class; however, the average length of northern pike was an impressive 26.5 inches with two fish greater than 35 inches sampled. Small, remote, lightly fished lakes like Island River Lake often produce some quality size northern pike.
Yellow perch numbers were well above average for the lake class, with an average length of 6.8 inches with a few nine inches or larger. White sucker were sampled in average numbers and along with yellow perch provide the forage base for larger predator fish in Island River Lake.
Black crappies were sampled for the first time in the 2009 lake survey; however, anglers had reported catching black crappie for a number of years. Crappie numbers were near average for the lake class with fish over 13 inches sampled. Good spawning habitat in Island River Lake allows for a self-sustaining population.
The preferred access is a carry-in at the Comfort Lake BWCA entry point. Across Comfort Lake; then depending on the water level, pull through the outlet channel or take a short portage around the channel into Island River Lake. A second access from the Island River (outlet); is a 60 rod portage around rapids to the west end of Island River Lake. The third access is a trail from the old access road on the far eastern end of the lake. This is a rough and narrow road and used mainly to access the eastern portion of the lake. In summer, when vegetation is at its peak, the eastern one-half of the lake is difficult to navigate with an outboard motor. Two USFS remote water-access campsites are located on Island River Lake. Island River Lake is not within the BWCAW, outboard motor use is allowed. BWCAW permits and day-use permits are not needed on Island River Lake
What is the average air temp for Island River?
Are there any state parks near Island River?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Island River...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Comfort Lake | 0.3 mi | 42 | 7 ft |
| Small Lake | 0.5 mi | 22 | 5 ft |
| Orchid Lake | 1.3 mi | 11 | 8 ft |
| Sumpet Lake | 1.7 mi | 34 | 6 ft |
| Section 29 Lake | 2.0 mi | 100 | 20 ft |
| Nine A.M. Lake | 2.3 mi | 15 | 14 ft |
| Lunch Lake | 2.8 mi | 18 | 9 ft |
| Boga Lake | 3.0 mi | 27 | 19 ft |
| Swamp Lake | 3.0 mi | 32 | 2.4 ft |
| Bunny Lake | 3.1 mi | 39 | 6.5 ft |
