Island Lake Fishing Guide, Anoka County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Look for Island Lake in the Anoka County part of Minnesota. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. Around 73 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The full circuit measures close to 1.2 miles on foot. It is low-lying compared with other Minnesota water we list. Wyoming lies 5.3 miles from the water. After that come Stacy at 5.7 miles and East Bethel at 6.2 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Island Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. County-wide records name bluegill, common carp, black crappie, largemouth bass and pumpkinseed. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Treat Island Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 71°F and January about 11°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early April. Ice clears near early April and comes back about late November in a typical year. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. It holds true on Island Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. There is a slipway on the shore, half a mile from the water we list. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, Tamarack Lake is 0.8 miles distant. For Island Lake in particular, ask before you travel.