About Our Lakes
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Island Lake, located 4 miles southeast of Emily, MN in Crow Wing County, is a 239.5-acre round lake with three islands and is classified as a general recreation lake. Island Lake scores a "B" on lake health - see details and water quality report.
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Mud Lake is 76 acres and is classified as a natural environment lake. Separate lake health data isn't available for Mud Lake. Here is the latest water quality report.
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Mud Brook flows into Mud Lake, connects Island Lake and Mud Lake, and is used to travel between the two lakes. Mud Brook, however, is quite shallow and not all watercraft are able to navigate the creek successfully. Mud Brook then exits Island Lake to the south and eventually joins the Pine River.
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There is a public landing on Island Lake just past the bridge on Walworth Road...look for the signs.
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The water level fluctuates according to the number of beaver dams along Mud Brook between Birchdale Lake and Mud Lake.
Fishing Information
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Island/Mud Lake is on a three-year walleye stocking rotation. In the fall of 2023, the DNR stocked Island/Mud Lakes with 150 lbs or about 3,150 walleye fingerlings ranging from three to eight inches.
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Both lakes have northern pike and panfish such as crappies, sunnies, and bluegills. There are also lesser quantities of largemouth bass, yellow perch, bullheads, and walleyes.
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The DNR suggests responsible catch-and-release fishing to help ensure continued quality fishing opportunities.
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The DNR fisheries also recommend keeping smaller northern and releasing the larger fish.
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Click HERE for a typical weight/length fish chart.
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For more info about the DNR fisheries, click HERE.
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For the current fishing possession limits/seasons be sure to consult the DNR HERE for the complete regulations or to download the entire PDF regulation booklet.
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DOWNLOAD the Minnesota Fish Watch Booklet!
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Click HERE for a map of the fishing zones.
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Click HERE for DNR Lake Finder.
Structures & Zoning: Shoreline Management
Permits are required for many shoreline management situations. Additionally, other approvals may be required from federal, state, and local units of government, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, watershed districts, water management organizations, counties, townships, and cities.
Do I need a permit for my project? Click HERE for info.
PLEASE CHECK THE REGULATIONS BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY ALTERATIONS TO YOUR LAKE LOT.
A shoreline management program and classification system was
developed for Minnesota's lakes and has been in effect since the early
1970's. It includes lakes 25 acres in size in unincorporated areas and
ten acres in size in incorporated areas that have DNR-approved
shoreland ordinances. Lakes are divided into natural environment lakes,
recreational development lakes and general development lakes. Each
classification has particular regulations regarding cutting/clearing and
dirt-moving. Island Lake is classified as a recreational development lake.
Mud Lake is classified as a natural environment lake. Be sure to check
zoning requirements before cutting/clearing or dirt-moving. Crow Wing
County requires building permits.
Click HERE for shoreland alteration facts sheet.
Click HERE to download the complete Crow Wing County Land Use Ordinance. In the Land Use Ordinance document, check out sections 11.20
(page 51) through 12.0 (page 55).
Click HERE for more information about Crow Wing County shoreland zones and lake setbacks.
For more information, visit http://www.crowwing.us/244/Lakes-Rivers.
Ordinance Requirements & Permits, contact:
Crow Wing County Planning and Zoning Office
200 South 4th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 824-1125
Crow Wing County GIS mapping tool:
https://gis.crowwing.us/link/jsfe/index.aspx
Click HERE for a topo map of the area.
Area Land and Roads
Spring is Sprung!
ATV/OHV trails and maps:
State of Minnesota Emily to Outing
Emily Blind Lake Blind Lake Connector & Loop
Most of the land surrounding Island and Mud lakes is privately owned and requires permission to enter it for any reason. Please respect posted areas.
Anyone using motorized vehicles on the local roads should exercise caution, as these roads are narrow and winding. The posted advisory speed (yellow signs) around both lakes is 20 mph. The county roads in our area are usually treated with calcium chloride for dust suppression. The township roads are not treated. Click HERE for more information about this treatment.
Consult Crow Wing County ATV regulations: HERE. Check out Section 3 for regulations regarding riding on the roads.
Consult the Minnesota vehicle ATV/OHV regulations for more information: http://dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/ohv/index.html
Much of the tax forfeit land is available for hunting, etc. but the Association suggests you use the Crow Wing County GIS service OR purchase a Crow Wing County Platt book or the Guide to Public Hunting Lands available from many area merchants to determine land ownership. Also, refer to posted signs on the property or current DNR regulations for more information.
Click HERE for the comprehensive DNR brochure, Protect Your Privilege! that outlines all the rules and regulations concerning ATVs and hunting.
Vehicle Licenses and Regulations
What do I need permits/licenses for?
All watercraft, diving rafts, automobiles, ATVs or OHVs and snowmobiles must have a current license or tag.
Youth under 17 need a safety certificate to hunt and to operate watercraft, snowmobiles and ATVs or OHVs. See DNR website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/index.html
Personal Watercraft Safety Rules (Jet skis)
Off Highway Vehicles Regulations for ATVs & OHV’s
Personal Licenses & Regulations
You can purchase hunting, fishing or trapping licenses at most bait shops, hardware stores and gas stations in the Emily area. See DNR website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/index.html or contact the Crow Wing County Courthouse (218-824-1045) for more information about regulations.
Crow Wing County Hunting Resources
Minnesota DNR Hunting Resources
Burning Permits
You can obtain a burning permit from the DNR
website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/questions.html
To activate your permit:
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Visit mndnr.gov/burningpermits
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You can also activate it by calling 1- 866-533-2876 and following the instructions in the pre-recorded message.
For fire danger and current burning restrictions click HERE.
Map of the area
The Island-Mud Lake area is located in Crow Wing County, Ross Lake Township, four miles southeast of Emily, MN. Connected by Mud Brook, the lakes are part of the Northern Lakes and Forests ecoregion.
Latitude, Longitude:
46.7107457°, -93.9853743°
Latitude, Longitude:
46.6826437°, -93.8833099°