Island Lake Reservoir

St. Louis County, Minnesota - DNR stocking history, depth and survey data

Minnesota · Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) · DOW 69037200

DNR records show 12 stocking entries at Island Lake Reservoir since 2016, most recently muskellunge yearlings in 2025 (178 fish).

• Island Lake Reservoir has 12 DNR stocking records across 8 years (2016-2025): muskellunge (10), tullibee (cisco) (2).
• The most-stocked species by count is muskellunge: 11,825 fish on record.
• Maximum depth 94 ft; surface area 8,001 acres, 3,260 littoral acres, 116.1 miles of shoreline, per the DNR lake survey.
• Average water clarity (Secchi depth) 5.2 ft.
• Fish species DNR lists here: black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, burbot, channel catfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, shorthead redhorse, and 5 more.
• 4 public accesses on the DNR list.
• Most recent DNR fish survey: September 8, 2025 (targeted survey).
• St. Louis County, nearest town Duluth; DNR lake number (DOW) 69037200.

Stocking history

Public accesses

DNR fish survey, 2025

Catch per net (CPUE) is the DNR survey's count per gill net or trap net set; higher means more of that species were sampled, not a fishing forecast. Top species per gear shown; where we have no verified common name for a DNR code, the code itself is shown.

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. 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.

Minnesota DNR survey narrative, September 8, 2025.

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