Upper Island Lake (North)
Carlton County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 8-9 AM and 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
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We want to see what you've caught on Upper Island Lake (North).Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Island Lake (North), MN
- How big is Upper Island Lake (North)?
- How deep is Upper Island Lake (North)?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Upper Island Lake (North)?
- What are the closest cities to Upper Island Lake (North)?
- Are there places to stay in the Upper Island Lake (North) area?
- Are there boat launches on Upper Island Lake (North)?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Upper Island Lake (North)?
- What is the average air temp for Upper Island Lake (North)?
- Are there any state parks near Upper Island Lake (North)?
How big is Upper Island Lake (North)?
How deep is Upper Island Lake (North)?
What kind of fish can you catch in Upper Island Lake (North)?
Other fish species in the lake include Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner, Golden Shiner, Johnny Darter, Mottled Sculpin, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Upper Island Lake (North)?
Are there places to stay in the Upper Island Lake (North) area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Upper Island Lake (North)?
Are there places to eat and drink near Upper Island Lake (North)?
History & Status of the Fishery
Upper Island is a 101 acre lake with 100 (99%) acres of littoral area and a maximum depth of 25 feet. The lake is located just north of Cromwell, MN off State Highway #210 and has a DNR administered earthen, back-in access. The public access is located off the County Road #120 right-of-way and has very limited parking. The fish community of Upper Island was last assessed in 2019, and the lake is primarily managed for Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. Upper Island was surveyed during the summer of 2021 to update information about fish populations following a winterkill event which occurred during the spring of 2020.
A total of four Largemouth Bass were sampled by electrofishing. The Largemouth Bass catch rate was 4.2 fish per hour, which was below average compared to other Duluth Area lakes. Average length of sampled Largemouth Bass was 15.5 inches. Three year-classes were present and good connectivity to adjacent waterbodies (Lower Island and the Tamarack River) will allow Largemouth Bass populations in Upper Island to recover quickly if they were impacted by the winterkill event.
Bluegill population densities were average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. Bluegill average length was 6.1 inches and growth was fast compared to other Duluth Area lakes. The proportion of adult Bluegill that exceeded quality size (greater than 6 inches) was 64%, while the proportion that exceeded preferred size (greater than 8 inches) was 26%.
Black Crappie population densities were above average compared to other similar Minnesota Lakes. Black Crappie average length was 7.3 inches. All year-classes from 2015 to 2019 were represented indicating consistent natural reproduction.
The Walleye gillnet abundance of 0.8 per lift was below average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. Average size was large at 21.9 inches. The 2012 and 2014 year-classes were represented and may provide notable incidental catches for anglers.
The Northern Pike gillnet abundance of 9.8 per lift was above average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. Average size was 20.6 inches but some preferred size fish were captured over 28 inches long.
What is the average air temp for Upper Island Lake (North)?
Are there any state parks near Upper Island Lake (North)?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Upper Island Lake (North)...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Flower Lake | 1.1 mi | 12 | |
| Lower Island Lake (South) | 1.2 mi | 320 | 22 ft |
| Woodbury Lake | 2.5 mi | 57 | |
| Springer Lake | 2.7 mi | 10 | |
| Cross Lake | 2.7 mi | 107 | 23 ft |
| Black Lake | 3.1 mi | 10 | |
| Long Lake | 3.3 mi | 17 | |
| Eagle Lake | 3.4 mi | 389 | 35 ft |
| Little Kettle Lake | 4.5 mi | 15 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 4.6 mi | 10 |
