Little Island Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Alder. DNR lake ID 31042300.
Little Island Lake is a 73.4-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Alder. Its deepest point reaches 35 ft, and about 25% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 6.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Little 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 Little Island LakeWhat’s my Little Island Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31042300 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Alder |
| Surface area | 73.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 35 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 25% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 6.9 ft through 2022 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 13.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| 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 6.9 ft, phosphorus 13.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Island Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Little Island Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1979 (47 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 5.5 | 2.0 to 8.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.5 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 49.0 | 1.5 to 18.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.5 | 0.5 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 12.5 | 1.0 to 6.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 14.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 136.75 | 7.9 to 37.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 2.25 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 46.0 | 1.1 to 4.7 |
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
- Little Island Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. 4 mi S of Marcell on Mn Hwy 38, then 9 mi SE on Cnty Rd 49, then 2 mi N to E shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Burnt Shanty Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Ruby Lake 0.9 mi, Itasca County
- Black Island Lake 0.9 mi, Itasca County
- Snowshoe Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- Nose Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Blind Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Lost Moose Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Gunn Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Little Island Lake
How deep is Little Island Lake?
Little Island Lake reaches a maximum depth of 35 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 25% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Island Lake?
Little Island Lake covers about 73.4 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Island Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Island Lake averages 6.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2022. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Little Island Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Little 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.
Where is the public boat access on Little Island Lake?
Little Island Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Little Island Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Island Lake?
Homes on Little 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 Little Island Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Island Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 25% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 6.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Island Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Little Island Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Little 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 1979), 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.