Island Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Northome. DNR lake ID 31091300.
Island Lake is a 3,108-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Northome. Its deepest point reaches 35 ft, and about 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31091300 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Northome |
| Surface area | 3,108 acres |
| Maximum depth | 35 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 38% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.6 ft through 2022 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 29.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 13.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2022: clarity 9.6 ft, phosphorus 29.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 13.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Island Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on 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 | trap | 0.47 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 12.8 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.47 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | trap | 3.4 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.13 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.2 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.47 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.53 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.07 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 31.0 in (2021), Walleye 24.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 7.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 6.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Island Lake: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 12 trailer spaces. Follow Hwy 46 south out of Northome for 2.6 miles to Island Lake Acc. Take Island Lake Acc east to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Welch Lake 2.2 mi, Itasca County
- Bergville Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Hendrickson Lake 3.3 mi, Itasca County
- Moose Lake 3.5 mi, Itasca County
- Wagner Lake 4.0 mi, Itasca County
- Fiske Lake 4.1 mi, Itasca County
- Eel Lake 4.6 mi, Itasca County
- Shallow Pond 4.7 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Island Lake
How deep is Island Lake?
Island Lake reaches a maximum depth of 35 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Island Lake?
Island Lake covers about 3,108 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Island Lake?
Summer water clarity on Island Lake averages 9.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2022. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Island Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Island Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Island Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Island Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Island Lake?
Island Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Island Lake.
How is the walleye population on Island Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2021, walleye numbers on Island Lake ran mostly above 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 Island Lake?
Homes on 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 Island Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Island Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 38% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Island Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Island Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Island Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca 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.