Island

Island Lake is a small (66.7 acres) basin in the middle of a subwatershed of the Sunrise River. Linwood Lake is immediately upstream and Martin Lake is downstream. Fish are known to move between the three lakes.Bluegill were present in average numbers for this type of lake. Over 40% of the fish were at least 7 inches long and 5.9% were at least 8 inches long. Catch in 1995 and 2000 were similar, much higher than in previous assessments.Black and white crappie were average in abundance. White crappie had a higher average size, with one-third of the fish over 10 inches long compared to 4.3% of the black crappie.Northern pike, walleye, and largemouth bass were present in low numbers. A few northern pike were between 25 and 28 inches long. Walleye were between 17 and 21 inches long. Largemouth bass sampled were small, less than 12 inches long.Black, brown, and yellow bullhead were present in low numbers with most over 10 inches long.Bowfin, carp, and white sucker were present in average numbers.

NOrthern pike were abundant in the lake, but were of small size, with only one fish over 22 inches. Black crappie were also high in number but small in size. Bluegill were common, with over three-fourths of acceptable size to anglers. Black bullhead were common with few over 10 inches. Several walleye were captured, migrants from Linwood or Martin lakes. Largemouth bass numbers were low. Bowfin, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch were also present.

Northern pike were taken at over three times the local median levels which was significantly higher than previous investigations. Growth of NOP was good, but fish were of small average size. Three strong year classes were identified despite the recent drought. The walleye sampled were most likely migrants from Martin L. or Linwood L. Growth of walleye was average for the area. One walleye sampled was of the 1986 year class when walleye were stocked in both Linwood and Martin lakes. The three walleye of the 1985 year class sampled would have migrated from Martin Lake (fry stocking). No walleye were stocked in Linwood in 1985. Bluegill were sampled in lower than median levels, although some larger individuals were sampled. Largemouth bass from two year classes were sampled. Natural reproduction of LMB was average for the area. Black bullhead were taken at twice the median level. All other species were sampled at low levels. The fish population of Island Lake was typical of a Central Minnesota bass-panfish lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, White Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Green Sunfish in Island. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Island. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Island has a maximum depth of 22 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Island is from 2000. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Yes — Island has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

No — Island has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.