Five Island Lake is the scenic natural lake at the edge of Emmetsburg in northwest Iowa – a 945-acre glacial lake dotted with islands and lined by a friendly lake town with a proud Irish heritage. Restored through major dredging and beloved for its sunsets, fishing and beaches, it’s a quiet, character-filled alternative to the busier Iowa Great Lakes nearby.
This guide covers Five Island Lake: the fishing, the town and recreation, and access. It’s part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Five Island Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~945 acres, a natural glacial lake with several islands
- Location: Palo Alto County, northwest Iowa (at Emmetsburg)
- Top fish: walleye, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bullhead
Fishing Five Island Lake
Five Island is a productive, restored fishery: walleye are a key target, with strong bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass and yellow perch. An Iowa fishing license is required. Years of dredging and restoration have improved the lake’s depth and water quality, and the islands, points and weed lines give anglers plenty of structure. The winter ice fishery for panfish and walleye is popular.
Emmetsburg and recreation
The lake wraps around the town of Emmetsburg, which celebrates its Irish heritage with one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Midwest (it’s a sister city to Dublin). The lakefront offers a beach, parks, boat ramps and a campground, with boating, paddling, swimming and fishing all on offer – and the lake’s island-studded sunsets are a local treasure.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Five Island Lake is at Emmetsburg in Palo Alto County, northwest Iowa, off US-18, about 45 minutes south of the Iowa Great Lakes. It makes an easy add-on to an Okoboji/Spirit Lake trip.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Quiet alternative: a calmer, less crowded option near the busy Iowa Great Lakes.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for walleye and panfish; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Five Island Lake?
Walleye, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bullhead.
Where is Five Island Lake?
At Emmetsburg in Palo Alto County, northwest Iowa, about 45 minutes south of the Iowa Great Lakes.
Related: explore the small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
