Island River

How big is Island River?

How deep is Island River?

What kind of fish can you catch in Island River?

Are there places to eat and drink near Island River?

Island River Lake is a 122 acre lake with a maximum depth of 7 feet located in a remote area just south of the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The Island River runs through the lake and there are two campsites located on the lake, one official United States Forest Service (USFS) site and one user made campsite. Island River Lake is the upstream end of an 8 mile USFS canoe route with maintained portages that runs down to the Island River BWCAW access point. The best way to access Island River Lake is by way of a short channel or portage trail (40 yards) from Comfort Lake, which has a carry down access. The road into Comfort Lake is rough and a portion of the road was burned over in the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire, a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended and there is a high potential for trees to be down over the road.

The purpose of the summer 2017 survey was to provide an update on the status of the fish community, which is maintained entirely through natural reproduction.

Walleye catch in Island River Lake was slightly below average when compared to other area lakes. The average weight of Walleye sampled was right around a pound with the heaviest Walleye tipping the scales at roughly five and a half pounds. Average length was approximately 14 inches with the longest fish measuring 25 inches. Seven different ages of Walleye were identified in the sample ranging from zero to 10 years old. Age-2 fish were the most common and averaged nine inches long at the time of sampling. Growth of Walleye in Island River Lake was average when compared to similar lakes in the area.

The catch of Northern Pike in Island River Lake was below average when compared to other area lakes, but the average size was good. The average weight of Northern Pike in the sample was approximately three pounds with fish up to seven pounds sampled. Northern Pike averaged 22 inches long with the longest fish measuring 33 inches. Northern Pike ranged from zero to 11 years old, and age-1 fish made up 29 percent of the catch. These fish only averaged 11 inches at the time of sampling. Northern Pike growth was near average relative to other area lakes.

Black Crappie catch was slightly better than average when compared with other area lakes. On average, the Black Crappie sampled weighed just less than a pound, better than the average when compared to other similar lakes. The average length of Black Crappie sampled was a little over 11 inches with fish as long as 14 inches sampled. Age analysis determined several year classes are present and Black Crappie growth was near average when compared to other area lakes. Based on the numbers captured, size range, and age range, Black Crappie appear to be well established in Island River Lake.

Yellow Perch catch was well above average compared to other area lakes, but average weight was only 0.2 pounds. Yellow Perch length averaged seven inches with the longest fish measuring between nine and ten inches. Several year classes were present and growth of Yellow Perch in Island River Lake was average relative to other area lakes.

In addition to game fish species, White Sucker, Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, a Burbot, Johnny Darter, Golden Shiner, and Trout-Perch were sampled. Young of the year Largemouth Bass were also captured for the first time in Island River Lake. This may indicate a spawning population exists in the lake; Largemouth Bass have previously been sampled upstream in the Island River and Silver Island Lake. It is not known at this time whether a fishable population of Largemouth Bass will become established in Island River Lake.

Despite being remote and difficult to access, Island River Lake offers diverse angling opportunities for those willing to put in the effort. The lake supports populations of both Walleye and Black Crappie with good numbers and size structures. There are also opportunities to camp on the lake and opportunities to explore the Island River above and below the lake.

What is the average air temp for Island River?

Are there any state parks near Island River?