Hi,

I'm new to the forum, and was wondering if anyone had any experience fishing on Long Island Lake. My neighbor and I are going in on Ham lake the 2nd week of June for a 4-day trip and were thinking of camping on Long Island lake. It would be nice to get into some lake trout but I would be happy so long as we are catching any kind of fish.

We aren't locked into Long Island Lake so if you have any suggestions for other lakes that can be reached in a half day from Ham lake I wold appreciate it.

Thanks.

Troll spoons for northern. There are also lake trout in long island , but they may be hard to find that time of year. Try trolling around islands- points with sharp breaks, 20-30 ft down. Deep diving rapalas work well.
I suggest trying out horseshoe for walleyes. We killed the walleyes the last week of may last year. Fish shallow before sun goes down, 6-10 ft of water on rocks. Use slip bobber with beaver flick and a leech. Good luck out there! If you do decide to try horseshoe, you'll have to change your entry point to lizz lake, through poplar, it is a short trip to some good fishing.

Thanks for the info! We already have our entry permit so we'll probably stick with Long Island lake for this trip, but may have to check out horseshoe lake on a future trip.

Also Cross Bay is halfway decent for walleyes and smallmouth. I didn't spend much time there, but the day we had, we caught a few fish. Fish there in the narrows around the exposed rocks. You'll understand when you're canoeing through the lake. Have a blast!

We're heading to Long Island Lake the week after your trip. Let me know how the fishing is! I know this area was affected by the blowdown - any issues with portages in/out of it, or finding trees tall enough for food bags? My last trip to the BWCA we came out the day before the Blowdown, and we haven't been back since. Overdue.

Portages should be well cleared by now from the blowdown (I think that happened in 1999?). Don't know about the trees, every area that was affected by the blowdown is kind of different. One campsite may be perfect, the next may still look like a burnt up forest. You'll understand what I'm saying when you get there. I can't help you with anything else, cmcw

I'll let you know how we fare on Long Island. Hopefully the lakers are biting.