Three Island Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Turtle River. DNR lake ID 04013400.
Three Island Lake is a 729.5-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Turtle River. Its deepest point reaches 25 ft, and about 87% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for starry stonewort. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Three Island Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
Tell us about your dream home on Three Island LakeWhat’s my Three Island Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04013400 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Turtle River |
| Surface area | 729.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 25 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 87% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 18.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | starry stonewort |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.4 ft, phosphorus 18.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Three Island Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Three Island Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 3.25 | 1.5 to 5.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.5 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.75 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.83 | 0.8 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.88 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.08 | 0.8 to 6.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 6.17 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.75 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.42 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.12 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 5.12 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.75 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.38 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.25 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.25 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 32.0 in (2021), Walleye 21.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: starry stonewort (listed 2025).
Public boat access
- Three Island Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 1 dock, 3 trailer spaces. Southwest of Ten Strike, take Hwy 71 south to Gull Lake Loop Rd NE, to 3 Island Rd NE, to Three Island County Park Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Black Lake 1.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Fox Lake 2.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Beltrami Lake 2.0 mi, Beltrami County
- Little Gnat Lake 2.6 mi, Beltrami County
- Turtle Lake 2.9 mi, Beltrami County
- Lindgren Lake 3.2 mi, Beltrami County
- Movil Lake 3.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Upper Lindgren Lake 3.6 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Three Island Lake
How deep is Three Island Lake?
Three Island Lake reaches a maximum depth of 25 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 87% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Three Island Lake?
Three Island Lake covers about 729.5 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Three Island Lake?
Summer water clarity on Three Island Lake averages 11.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Three Island Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Three Island Lake for starry stonewort.
What fish are in Three Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Three Island Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Three Island Lake?
Three Island Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Three Island Lake.
How is the walleye population on Three Island Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1996 to 2021, walleye numbers on Three Island Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Three Island Lake?
Homes on Three Island Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Three Island Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Three Island Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 87% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Three Island Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Three Island Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Beltrami County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.