Photos of Trout Lake
Reviews
About
Shallow lake in Island Lake State Park. Freezes over the winter; warms up quickly in spring.
Location
Getting there
Park in the first parking lot in Island Lake State Park (straight on after the entrance kiosks) and walk south-west for ten minutes along the trail. You can walk either way around the lake and there are a couple of beaches to the left and one to the right. Due to the walk in, the numbers of people here rarely gets too high.
Accessibility
The beaches are not too sloping so you need to walk a little before you can swim but not too far.
What swimmers say
Facilities
Activities
Landscape
Water sports
Help verify this spot
Sign in to help verify details about this spot.
Plan your swim
Before you go
- Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing.
- Lake water can be much colder below the surface (thermocline)
- Stay close to shore until you know the conditions
- Watch for boat traffic and stay visible with a tow float
- Check for blue-green algae warnings before swimming
Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.
Been here recently?
Share conditions, tips, or hazards to help other swimmers plan their visit to Trout Lake.
Frequently asked questions
Is this lake safe for swimming?
Check the Conditions tab for surface state and wind conditions. Review the Quality tab if this is a designated bathing water. Always read recent community reports for local advice.
How cold is the water?
Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. Lakes hold heat longer than rivers but can develop a thermocline. The water below the surface can be dramatically colder.
What should I bring?
A tow float for visibility (especially important where boats operate), warm layers for after, and consider a wetsuit in colder months. Check for designated swimming areas.