Oak Point Islands

Of course Oak Point has no islands, but we do have two islands that effect our fishing, boat navigation and lake views. One island on the east side of Oak Point in the "big lake" is called Goose Island. The other island is called Minnesota Island and is located in the middle of Steamboat Bay on the west side of Oak Point. (click on picture to enlarge)

Minnesota Island was earlier called Duck Island on some of the old maps. It's the second largest island in Leech Lake, second only to Bear Island in size. The island is just a little over one mile long and is about 1/8 mile wide. It contains approximately 248 acres and is divided into several separate land parcels. Many parcels are in private ownership with a subdivision on the north end called King's Island Park that have Steamboat Loop physical mailing addresses. Much of the island is low ground and is quite wet. In fact boat navigation around the island is tricky with all the water vegetation growth. To the north of Minnesota Island are some of the richest wild beds in Leech Lake.

On the east side of the island is the remnants of the old Steamboat River channel that runs 3 ft to 5 ft deeper then the main part of the bay. In the spring of the year walleyes can be caught on the droop-offs with a jig and minnow. I do know of one Leech Lake fishing guide that spends a considerable amount of his time fishing this area of Leech Lake with great success. I have spent time on a couple of occasions stopping and cleaning weeds off my boat prop because I got mixed up with the weeds. Lot of good Largemouth Bass fishing around this island.

Goose Island is only 20 acres total and is in private ownership. I have been trying to find out how the island got its name, so if someone knows, please let me know. Goose Island has several fishing locations of note. Between the island and the Star Point, Little Hardwood areas is called the Goose Island Flats. Off to the south and east is an area called "Doc's Reef". To the east of the Island is an area that is called the "Snake Pits" where you are apt to catch a small northern while fishing for walleyes. I am sure that others have names for their favorite areas around the island.

My daily panoramic view of the mighty Leech Lake always includes Goose Island as a center piece.