Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Island Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share Your Catch & Win!
Frequently Asked Questions About Island Lake, MN
- How big is Island Lake?
- How deep is Island Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Island Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Island Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Island Lake area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Island Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Island Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Island Lake?
How big is Island Lake?
How deep is Island Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Island Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blackchin Shiner, Central Mudminnow, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish and Iowa Darter.
What are the closest cities to Island Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Island Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there places to eat and drink near Island Lake?
Explore the Island Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
Island Lake is a 120 acre lake located three miles west of St. Joseph in Stearns County. The lake has no public access; an informal access exists with limited parking. Northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill are present. Island Lake has a very diverse aquatic plant community, including humped bladderwort, a species of special concern. Oakes pondweed and quillwort are rare species found nowhere else in Stearns County. The lake was surveyed in August 2011.
Northern pike abundance was lower than the last survey in 2001 and lower than expected for lakes similar to Island. The average size was 17.5 inches and 1 pound. The largest pike captured was 21 inches. Growth was similar to other lakes statewide. Northern pike grew to 19 inches in 3 years.
Largemouth bass were surveyed in May 2011 by daytime electrofishing. The catch rate was good and 44% of bass captured were larger than 15 inches. The average size was 14 inches and 2 pounds; and the largest bass was 20 inches. Growth was slow; largemouth bass reached 12 inches in six years.
The number of bluegill was similar to the 2001 survey and within the expected range for lakes similar to Island. Bluegill were small. The average length was 5 inches and the largest bluegill was 7 inches. Bluegill growth was slow compared to statewide averages. Bluegill grew to 6 inches in seven years.
Black crappie numbers were not high, but within the expected range for lakes similar to Island. The average length (7 inches) and weight (0.2 lbs) were typical compared to similar lakes. Growth was slow. Crappies reached 8 inches in seven years.
No yellow perch were captured in 2011 and past survey catches have been very low. Other species captured included: pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, black and yellow bullhead, and one walleye.
What is the average air temp for Island Lake?
Are there any state parks near Island Lake?
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 Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Sagatagan Lake | 1.3 mi | 227 | 42 ft |
| Kraemer Lake | 1.6 mi | 195 | 30 ft |
| Stump Lake | 1.8 mi | 72 | 36 ft |
| Big Watab Lake | 2.5 mi | 246 | 123 ft |
| Schmid Lake | 2.8 mi | 38 | 34 ft |
| Achman Lake | 3.5 mi | 47 | 30 ft |
| Kalla Lake | 4.0 mi | 106 | 48 ft |
| Big Fish Lake | 4.2 mi | 557 | 70 ft |
| Minnie Lake | 4.2 mi | 20 | 59 ft |
| Kreigle Lake | 4.3 mi | 102 | 66 ft |
