Some buddies and I are entering via Crab Lake (#4) in the middle of August. Having never been to the BWCA before, I'm hoping that someone has taken a trip departing from the area.

I understand that this time of the year is not the absolute best time to go...from a fishing standpoint, but all things considered, it just works the best for us. I'm hoping to get some information about crab lake and surounding day trip possibilities. Has anyone fished any of them? Either way, please advise me as to what types/sizes/color patterns of cranks, plastics and spinnerbaits to bring. Will top-waters still be a possibility? When fishing plastics, what works best...texas rig or just a jig head?

I'm wanting to concentrate on smallies, as we were told that we'd be hard pressed to catch many walleyes this time of the season.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Husker,

I haven't been to that entry point, but I usually go in late August to avoid the hordes of mosquitoes. Usually drier weather too. I would suggest crayfish imatations, and spinnerbaits for smallies. I have had much luck just casting shallow crankbaits and spinners. Topwater lures at dusk, smallies might be a bit deeper this time of year, but they will be shallow at dawn/dusk. Leeches off the bottom for walleyes. August is a bit tougher fishing than june, but it's never too tough in the BWCA. If nothing else, the Northern are always biting!

Enjoy,

Willy

I went into Crab Lake entry point last year. Since the original portage was close, we entered via a stream just north of the portage. We ended up going straight through to Cummings were based camped. Really only Smallies in that lake, but the action was VERY good. A white mister twister (grub) with a spinner and an orange jig was the lure we used most, and had very good success with it.

From Crab make sure you don't miss the good smallie fishing on Cummings. A very short trip.

Leeches still work excellent in mid August.

Not many walleye around there (Battle and a few in Crab) but with the smallie action and the nice pike they have there, you won't miss 'em!

Use an orange or yellow/green jig with a leech. Jig it about half way down and bring it up slowly.

Throw out a red/white DareDevil in the narrows of Cummings, on the way over to Otter. Great northern pike area.