Island

Island Lake is a shallow (max depth 12') 60 acre eutrophic water body (Lake Class 42) located in the city of Shoreview in Ramsey County. It consists of two basins bisected by Interstate 694. Much of the north basin (20 acres) is developed with single family homes. Island Lake County Park owns most of the shoreline of the southern basin (40acres). The lake level in 2009 was 3 feet below the ordinary high water level. Island Lake has one small public boat launch located on the northwest corner of the south basin. Boat launching and parking can be a challenge at Island Lake as there are only 5 parking spaces available. A fishing pier was installed in 1990 and is located near the boat launch in the county park. Island Lake is prone to winter kill and a winter aeration system has been operated since in 1975. Eurasian Water-milfoil is present in the lake and it can be extremely abundant and dense during low water years which can effect boating and make shore angling difficult. Although Bluegills were the most abundant species in Island Lake, their numbers were below average for this type of lake. The average size found was only 5.0 inches with only a few sampled that were larger than 6 inches. Other sunfish species seen in the survey gear were Pumpkinseed and Hybrid Sunfish, both of which were not very abundant and were small in size. Black Crappies were found in moderate to low numbers and were generally small size also. Averaging 24 inches Northern Pike were found in above average abundance. Sampled in lower abundance than in previous years, three Channel Catfish were examined and had an average size of almost 19 inches. Channel Catfish provide a fishing opportunity to catch a larger species for shore/pier based anglers. Other fish sampled in low abundance were: Yellow Perch (N=9), Largemouth Bass (N=3), White Sucker (N=1) and Golden Shiner (N=1).

Bluegills are the most abundant species in Island Lake. Their numbers are more than 2 times higher than average for this type of lake. The average size found was only 4.89 inches with none sampled that were larger than 6 inches. Black crappie were found in low numbers and small size. Walleye were found in average abundance. Two hybrid (tiger) muskellunge were sampled but weren't of legal size. Channel catfish were found in moderate abundance and provide a fishing opportunity for a larger species shore/pier based anglers.

This survey was conducted to assess over-winter survival of catfish stocked from two different sources. Catch of other species was recorded, but is not discusses in detail in this report. Island Lake is a popular angling lake. It is located just south of Interstate 494 at Victoria St in Shoreview. There is a public boat launch and fishing pier, plus many areas to fish along shore. Much of the shoreline is in a Ramsey County Park. The park has excellent facilities for parking, picnics, bathrooms, and a playgound. Bluegill are the most abundant species present, but there are a variety of species present. Other species sampled were: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, channel catfish, pumkinseed sunfish, hybrid sunfish, yellow perch, black crappie, black bullhead, carp, white sucker, and golden shiner.

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

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Island. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Island has a maximum depth of 11 feet and a mean depth of 5.1 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Island is from 2015. 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.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Island, covering muskellunge and tiger muskellunge. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.