Minnesota · St. Louis County
Island Lake Reservoir Fishing guide
Island Lake Reservoir is a 8,001-acre lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, reaching 94 ft at its deepest point. Secchi readings average around 5.2 ft of visibility. The Minnesota DNR has surveyed the lake 12 times, most recently in 2025, with walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike in the nets.
DNR survey data
Fish species
WalleyeGood numbers4.9per gill net14"Typical31"Biggest
Lengths measured · 1438 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2023 + 2024 + 2025Lengths measured · 96 fish
2025Lengths measured · 105 fish
2024Lengths measured · 46 fish
2023Lengths measured · 963 fish
2022Largemouth bassPresent0.3per seine haul17"Typical19"Biggest
Lengths measured · 17 fish
Recent · 2022Lengths measured · 17 fish
2022Lengths measured · 3 fish
2021Only 3 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 5 fish
2016Only 5 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 1 fish
2012Only 1 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Smallmouth bassPresent0.3per seine haul15"Typical20"Biggest
Lengths measured · 476 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2023 + 2024 + 2025Lengths measured · 25 fish
2025Lengths measured · 26 fish
2024Lengths measured · 13 fish
2023Lengths measured · 361 fish
2022Northern pikeJust a few0.8per gill net20"Typical35"Biggest
Lengths measured · 100 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2023 + 2024 + 2025Lengths measured · 14 fish
2025Lengths measured · 9 fish
2024Only 9 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 9 fish
2023Only 9 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 10 fish
2022MuskellungeLast stocked 2025Present, stockedPresent and managed by the DNR.
Present and managed by the DNR.
Lengths measured · 134 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022Lengths measured · 132 fish
2022Lengths measured · 2 fish
2021Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 2 fish
2006Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
BluegillJust a few0.5per trap net1"Typical10"Biggest
Lengths measured · 211 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2023 + 2024 + 2025Lengths measured · 7 fish
2025Only 7 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 4 fish
2024Only 4 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 1 fish
2023Only 1 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 35 fish
2022CrappieJust a few1.1per trap net10"Typical14"Biggest
Lengths measured · 519 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2023 + 2024 + 2025Lengths measured · 13 fish
2025Lengths measured · 14 fish
2024Lengths measured · 3 fish
2023Only 3 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 461 fish
2022Yellow perchGood numbers8.6per gill net7"Typical11"Biggest
Lengths measured · 826 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2023 + 2024 + 2025Lengths measured · 131 fish
2025Lengths measured · 154 fish
2024Lengths measured · 107 fish
2023Lengths measured · 125 fish
2022Last recorded in the 1989 survey and not seen since.
Rock bassExcellent numbers2.1per trap net8"Typical11"Biggest
Lengths measured · 365 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2023 + 2024 + 2025Lengths measured · 62 fish
2025Lengths measured · 101 fish
2024Lengths measured · 45 fish
2023Lengths measured · 48 fish
2022Channel catfishJust a few0.1per trap net24"Typical32"Biggest
Lengths measured · 19 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024 + 2025Lengths measured · 3 fish
2025Only 3 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 1 fish
2024Only 1 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 10 fish
2022Lengths measured · 5 fish
2021Only 5 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear, so the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, only presence and size are listed. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey.
How to fish Island Lake Reservoir through the year
Walleye
- Spring
- Walleye are shallow, on and just off the spawning flats and the first green weeds.
- Early summer
- Walleye are setting up on the outside weed edge, points and shallow structure.
- Summer
- Walleye are working the weed edge, points and any wind-blown structure. On a lake that drops to 94 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Walleye are packing onto the sharpest breaks and points as the water cools, in big schools with short windows.
Largemouth bass
- Spring
- Largemouth are moving up into the warming bays and flats, staging around wood, docks and new weeds to spawn.
- Early summer
- Largemouth are on the shallow spawning flats and protected bays, where beds go on firm bottom next to isolated cover.
- Summer
- Largemouth are in and along the weeds: cabbage and milfoil edges, matted cover and shade. On a lake that drops to 94 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Largemouth are chasing bait back onto the flats and into the remaining green weeds, feeding hard and shallow before the freeze.
Season patterns for each species. Open the live map for today's wind, light and water temp.
Size history
Biggest fish by survey year
| Survey year | Walleye | Largemouth bass | Smallmouth bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 27" | — | 17" |
| 2024 | 24" | — | 17" |
| 2023 | 21" | — | 16" |
| 2022 | 31" | 19" | 20" |
| 2021 | 27" | 6" | 20" |
| 2016 | 28" | 9" | 18" |
| 2012 | 28" | 13" | 18" |
| 2006 | 30" | 3" | 16" |
Longest fish measured by DNR survey crews in each year's nets. Survey gear samples the population, so the lake usually holds larger fish than any survey measured.
Suggested tackle
What to bring
Top presentations for this lake's structure and clarity:
Walleye · Live bait
Live-Bait (Lindy) Rig + Leech/Crawler
jumbo leech or half a nightcrawler
Walleye · Trolling
Leadcore Line + Crankbaits
4–5" mid-diving crankbait behind a long leadcore run
Largemouth bass · Hardbaits
Topwater Popper
2.5–3" concave-face popper
Largemouth bass · Hardbaits
Hollow-Body Frog
3–3.5" hollow-body frog
Smallmouth bass · Soft plastics
Ned Rig
2.75" finesse stickbait or craw-style Ned bait
Smallmouth bass · Soft plastics
Drop Shot (Finesse Plastic)
4" finesse worm or 3" minnow-profile plastic
Full setups, including hooks, weights and line, are on the live map. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Muskellunge | 748 fingerlings · 178 yearlings |
| 2024 | Muskellunge | 1,630 fingerlings |
| 2024 | Tullibee (cisco) | 561 fingerlings |
| 2023 | Muskellunge | 635 fingerlings |
| 2022 | Muskellunge | 1,630 fingerlings |
| 2021 | Muskellunge | 1,523 fingerlings |
| 2021 | Tullibee (cisco) | 250 adults |
| 2019 | Muskellunge | 3,261 fingerlings |
| 2017 | Muskellunge | 1,654 fingerlings |
| 2016 | Muskellunge | 566 fingerlings |
MN DNR · in their words
From the 2025 survey
Island Reservoir is located about 15 miles north of Duluth, MN, with a maximum depth of 94 feet. Three public access sites owned and operated by Minnesota power provide entry to Island Reservoir, including Abbott Road, Hideaway, and Dam Road access areas.
Targeted gill net surveys are conducted annually in the fall on Island Reservoir to closely monitor the Walleye population following the implementation of an experimental Walleye angling regulation in 2021 (15- to 20-inch protected slot; bag and possession limit of 10, with no more than one Walleye over 20 inches). Walleye and Muskellunge are the primary management species in the reservoir, and Walleye have not been stocked since 1970 because the population sustains itself through natural reproduction.
Read the full DNR narrative
The Walleye population faces unique challenges, including a high abundance of small fish and exceptionally slow growth rates, which can limit the effectiveness of special angling regulations. The 2021 experimental regulations were designed to improve Walleye size structure and encourage anglers to harvest surplus small fish. Walleye management goals include having a fishery with relatively high gill net catch rates and good numbers of fish over 15 inches. Anglers can help achieve this goal by following the protected slot regulation, selectively harvesting larger fish, and harvesting fish less than 15 inches in length.
During the most recent survey, Walleye gill net abundance averaged 4.2 per net, with a mean length of 13.6 inches and a range of 5.0 to 27.4 inches, reflecting very slow growth consistent with prior surveys. Age analysis indicated consistent recruitment with one missing year-classes from 2013 through 2025, suggesting anglers can expect good catches dominated by small fish.
Yellow Perch gill net abundance averaged 5.7 per net, with most captured fish being larger than eight inches, limiting predation by small Walleye. Age analysis indicated consistent recruitment, with year classes from 2015 to 2023 present, suggesting anglers can expect good Yellow Perch fishing in the coming years.
Smallmouth Bass abundance averaged 1.1 per net, above average for similar Minnesota lakes, with captured fish ranging from 7.6 to 17.9 inches, providing quality angling opportunities.
Narrative text from the Minnesota DNR lake survey.
Recent reports
Island Lake Reservoir fishing reports
Recent reports on Island Lake Reservoir from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Open the live map → Fished it lately? Write a report
All Island Lake Reservoir fishing reports → · St. Louis County reports
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Island Lake, Abbot Road (E) (trailer launch)
- Island Lake, Dam Site (trailer launch)
- Island Lake, Hideaway (N) (trailer launch)
- Cloquet River (carry-in)
DNR bathymetry
Island Lake Reservoir depth map
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Apple Lake · 31 ac · 2.1 mi
- Schultz Lake · 210 ac · 2.7 mi
- Boulder Lake · 3,260 ac · 3 mi
- Jacobs Lake · 90 ac · 3.1 mi
- Clearwater Lake · 15 ac · 3.7 mi
- Cooks Lake · 97 ac · 4.4 mi
- Eagle Lake · 114 ac · 6.9 mi
- Fish Lake Flowage · 3,259 ac · 6.9 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Island Lake Reservoir?
Island Lake Reservoir reaches 94 ft at its deepest point; about 41% of the lake is littoral (15 ft or shallower).
How big is Island Lake Reservoir?
Island Lake Reservoir covers 8,001 acres with about 116.1 miles of shoreline.
How clear is the water in Island Lake Reservoir?
DNR Secchi readings on Island Lake Reservoir average 5.2 ft of visibility, middling clarity for a Minnesota lake.
What fish are in Island Lake Reservoir?
Minnesota DNR surveys (most recently 2025) record walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, brook trout, rock bass, channel catfish.
Is Island Lake Reservoir stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked muskellunge in 2025; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2016.
Does Island Lake Reservoir have a public access?
Yes. Island Lake Reservoir has 4 public access sites, including Island Lake, Abbot Road (E) (trailer launch).
How big do walleye get in Island Lake Reservoir?
The biggest walleye measured in recent DNR surveys taped 31"; the size-history table on this page tracks the biggest fish in each survey back to 2006.
When was Island Lake Reservoir last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Island Lake Reservoir in 2025, the most recent of 12 surveys on record.
Page updated .
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