


Island Lake is a 546 acre lake in northern Pine County with a maximum depth of 42 feet. The shoreline is highly developed with homes. Water clarity is moderate. The lake is managed for Walleye and Muskellunge; both are stocked annually as fingerlings. Fishing pressure is usually moderate.
Island lake anglers can again expect moderate populations of Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass. Abundance and average size for both species were similar what was seen in the 2009 assessment. Captured pike ranged from 10 to 34.5 inches and averaged 3.3 pounds. Over one third of measured bass topped 12 inches.
Walleye abundance was comparable to other similar lakes. Both abundance and average size mirrored the previous two assessments. Netted Walleye ranged from 13 to 25.7 inches in length and averaged 2.5 pounds.
Bluegill and Black Crappie numbers, based on the trap net catch, both exceeded the norm for the lake type and their historic averages for Island Lake. Both species should provide more harvest opportunity than in 2009. While only 14% of Crappie exceeded 9 inches and 19% of Bluegill bested 7, their abundance is much higher overall. Yellow Perch remain very abundant and acceptable in size. More than a third of measured Perch were 8 inches or longer.
Muskellunge are sampled in separate assessments. Based on catch rates, muskies are not as abundant as they were in the 1990's. However, quality sized fish are available with three fourths of the sample exceeding 40 inches in length. Muskellunge greater than 50 inches are present.