I am planning a trip up Entering on South Kawishiwi #32 only staying 2 nights inaugural trip with 4 kids8-10 and 3 dads in total. Kids are all interested in catching fish how is the Kawishiwi river for pike, smallies or Walleye this time of year. I don't know what I don't know so any advice is appreciated. We are all avid fishermen but limited BWCA experience.

I hope you already have your entry permit for #32 . . . ?

Yep... I locked that up a few months ago. Figured River entry with kids would be best in case of wind. I heard it's pretty scenic on the Kawishiwi and fishing can be good but don't know much else.

It's a great area for a trip with kids. I did the Kawishiwi Lake Triangle on my first solo a few years ago late Sept/early Oct. and loved the whole area. I didn't fish on my solo trip.

Another year when we bought our used canoe from VNO outfitters in early Oct. we did a daytrip and fished out of EP 32. We caught a few smallies and had something really big on that dragged the canoe all over the place but we never did get to see it.

I was in that area, same time of year, last year. We had some bad weather, but had a great trip. Fishing was good all through the Kawishiwi triangle, most were caught trolling or casting minnow cranks, like husky jerks or original rapalas. We caught a few walleye, but mostly pike and smallmouth, one measuring 19".
I recall travelling through Clear Lake and thinking it was a beautiful lake. That might make a good place for your crew. It is a shallow lake, and we didn't fish, as we were just passing through, but the reports show it has a good number of eater sized walleye.

Hope that helps!

edit to add link to fisheries report:
Clear Lake fish survey

I'm a crappy fisherman, but caught walleyes below the rapids east of Clear Lake that go to either side of the island next to the campsite that is between the 9 rod portage and the 30 rod portage along the South Kawishiwi (if that makes any sense). That is also a nice site, and I was able to fish from shore below the rapids.

With all the rapids in the area I'd start fishing those and then explore out. Lots of nice sites in the area. Clear Lake is worth a day trip.

Agree with the other posters, fish just off the current near the rapids/portages. The site just east of the Clear Lake portage (I think it's numbered 1131 on the maps section within this website) would offer you ability to fish from shore. Nothing too technical, a 1/4 oz jig or a #4 hook with a couple of splitshot tipped with a Gulp leech or minnow is all you need.

JD

We went in 32 and paddles over to bald eagle. Turtle lake is an awesome spot for northerns.

Thanks for the info... I initially read your email that you were a Crappie fisherman had to laugh when I re-read it... I appreciate the insight. We are looking forward to the trip!