BWCA LLC Lakers - worth it??? Boundary Waters Fishing Forum
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WilyMinnow
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01/20/2017 01:59PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hi All,

I'll be heading back to LLC late May for the first time since 2003 for 5 nights. Back then we did well for walleyes, bass and big pike all throughout the Boulder River/Tiger Bay/Lake Agnes area. Planning on base camping in the Tiger Bay area and day tripping to the Boulder River, Iron, and maybe trying to do some laker fishing around the eastern part of LLC.

My question is this: Is it worth putting in a day fishing the areas north of Tiger Bay in LLC for lakers, or am I wasting my time better spent focusing on the known fishing spots in the Boulder River and Iron fishing for eyes and bass.

I have my 28" walleye, 21" smallie, and 41" Pike, but never landed a trophy laker in the bwca. In fact, I have only landed 2 maybe 3 lakers in my 20+ trips (never really targeted them), so it would be nice to check that off the list if anyone has insight on finding lakers on LLC.

-WM
 
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tarnkt
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01/20/2017 02:46PM  
I am in the same boat as you. I have done well on other species on LLC but never targeted the lakers. Even though I don't know how big the population is or how easy they are to find/catch the trophy potential makes me think they are worth a shot for at least part of a day.

LLC Laker
 
old_salt
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01/21/2017 01:15PM  
Lakers are worth it.
 
RxDx
  
01/23/2017 03:21PM  
I've never fished LLC, but it's a big lake so you can assume there are some big lakers. They might still be fairly shallow in late May depending on water temp, and flatlining lake trout when they are shallow can be a hoot. I had one nine pounder that hauled my canoe around the lake for about half an hour. If you're using an outfitter, they can usually tell you the spots to focus on. I carry a portable fish finder. Lakers are often difficult to locate and like most trout/char they can be finicky about what and when they are eating.
 
pastorjsackett
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01/23/2017 07:51PM  
We fished LLC last year over Memorial Day weekend. Tried hard but caught everything....except lakers.

That said, I'd go try again because LLC is big, gorgeous and should have some suspended fish that time of year. We've had best luck for lakers on Knife....but then on LLC/Boulder we caught nice walleye and on Knife we typically strike out on those.
 
airmorse
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01/23/2017 10:16PM  
quote pastorjsackett: "We fished LLC last year over Memorial Day weekend. Tried hard but caught everything....except lakers.


That said, I'd go try again because LLC is big, gorgeous and should have some suspended fish that time of year. We've had best luck for lakers on Knife....but then on LLC/Boulder we caught nice walleye and on Knife we typically strike out on those. "


Care to elaborate as to where on Knife for the lakers?
 
user0317
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01/24/2017 03:15PM  
Try the west end of LLC for lakers. There is a lot of deep water over there, and some obvious transitional water from deep to shallow.
 
pastorjsackett
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01/24/2017 09:32PM  
Sure airmorse. We caught our lakers on Knife in early June in the first, large, open bay of the lake after entering from the Big Knife Portage. As one comes out into the larger expanse of water. We used blue/silver Rapala Tail Dancers and trolled along as we paddled. Also caught lakers in between the small islands dead ahead of that spot. They were beautiful, strong fighters and we turned them back to swim on. I do enjoy that lake.
 
old_salt
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01/24/2017 10:31PM  
quote user0317: "Try the west end of LLC for lakers. There is a lot of deep water over there, and some obvious transitional water from deep to shallow. "


If you want to go that far. There's deep water on east end also, if coming from Moose River North.
 
airmorse
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01/24/2017 10:32PM  
quote pastorjsackett: "Sure airmorse. We caught our lakers on Knife in early June in the first, large, open bay of the lake after entering from the Big Knife Portage. As one comes out into the larger expanse of water. We used blue/silver Rapala Tail Dancers and trolled along as we paddled. Also caught lakers in between the small islands dead ahead of that spot. They were beautiful, strong fighters and we turned them back to swim on. I do enjoy that lake. "

Hey thanks Pastor!
 
user0317
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01/25/2017 10:25AM  
quote pastorjsackett: "Sure airmorse. We caught our lakers on Knife in early June in the first, large, open bay of the lake after entering from the Big Knife Portage. As one comes out into the larger expanse of water. We used blue/silver Rapala Tail Dancers and trolled along as we paddled. Also caught lakers in between the small islands dead ahead of that spot. They were beautiful, strong fighters and we turned them back to swim on. I do enjoy that lake. "


The water in front of Eddy Falls on Knife can be productive for lakers as well.
 
airmorse
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01/25/2017 07:01PM  
quote user0317: "
quote pastorjsackett: "Sure airmorse. We caught our lakers on Knife in early June in the first, large, open bay of the lake after entering from the Big Knife Portage. As one comes out into the larger expanse of water. We used blue/silver Rapala Tail Dancers and trolled along as we paddled. Also caught lakers in between the small islands dead ahead of that spot. They were beautiful, strong fighters and we turned them back to swim on. I do enjoy that lake. "



The water in front of Eddy Falls on Knife can be productive for lakers as well."


Roger that. Thanks!!!
 
CityFisher74
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01/30/2017 07:16AM  
Also going to try lakers in LLC but not until early July. They say the thermocline mid-summer is about 45 feet down, so fish 45-55 feet deep. Would I want to fish about 35-45 feet deep considering LLC is so large that the water likely stays cooler? I do not need a trophy laker, I just want to catch my first one and check it off the list so any tip on where I have a good chance of just getting one would be much appreciated (via email is perfectly fine), and we will be in the Lady Bott/Fish Stake Narrows area.
 
airmorse
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01/30/2017 08:00AM  
quote CityFisher74: "Also going to try lakers in LLC but not until early July. They say the thermocline mid-summer is about 45 feet down, so fish 45-55 feet deep. Would I want to fish about 35-45 feet deep considering LLC is so large that the water likely stays cooler? I do not need a trophy laker, I just want to catch my first one and check it off the list so any tip on where I have a good chance of just getting one would be much appreciated (via email is perfectly fine), and we will be in the Lady Bott/Fish Stake Narrows area."


Many moon ago we were camped on THE site of FSN late morning we were checked by a FS ranger he left we went about doing our thing. That afternoon he came back with the biggest grin on his face. In the bottom of his boat was a VERY LARGE LT. He was a little excited to say the least. Asking him here he caught it he said down by the boot of Lady Boot. I does get rather deep there. My advise would be to look over contour maps.

That guy went to every campsite that was occupied showing off that fish. Kinda cool to remember that story. We sometimes think of those guys strictly as enforcement someone just doing their job. But here is an example of a FS ranger just out having fun.

Good luck to you. We've been to that area many many times. I too am on a quest for my first LT this year.
 
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