We are looking at a mid-September trip to South Kawishiwi River. I've heard it's a beautiful area, but I'm wondering about the fishing. I assume there are northerns and walleyes there, but I'm curious about smallmouth. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks... Rick

Been on the south kawishiwi 3 trips once in june twice in september. Fishing was good. Caught more fish in june but bigger fish in september. Beautiful scenery also.

I'm curious if you caught any small mouth bass.

The smallie fishing was the best. Caught quite a few in the 18-20 inch range. Crankbaits and leeches worked best for me. I'm not a great walleye fisherman but managed some decent eaters. Had some good times with some pretty agressive pike. I wouldn't hesitate to hit the river again other than wanting to give somewhere else a try.

Thanks for the information. I'll let you know how we do.

Canoeit: " The smallie fishing was the best. Caught quite a few in the 18-20 inch range. Crankbaits and leeches worked best for me. I'm not a great walleye fisherman but managed some decent eaters. Had some good times with some pretty agressive pike. I wouldn't hesitate to hit the river again other than wanting to give somewhere else a try."

+1 I've only been in June, but lots of smaller eater-size walleye were caught, and many good size bass. You might even run into some crappie :-)

Where you in the southernmost kawishiwi River area or were you in the triangle area?

We were in the southern part.

drrick: "We are looking at a mid-September trip to South Kawishiwi River. I've heard it's a beautiful area, but I'm wondering about the fishing. I assume there are northerns and walleyes there, but I'm curious about smallmouth. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks... Rick"

Me and a buddy are headed to the same area. September 10th- 15th. Its our 1st bwca trip and we our looking forward to it.

koonz0099: "

drrick: "We are looking at a mid-September trip to South Kawishiwi River. I've heard it's a beautiful area, but I'm wondering about the fishing. I assume there are northerns and walleyes there, but I'm curious about smallmouth. Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks... Rick"

Me and a buddy are headed to the same area. September 10th- 15th. Its our 1st bwca trip and we our looking forward to it. "

Two of us will be going in the 15th at Lake one entry point. We may head over to Lake three initially and then down towards the South kawishiwi. Will keep an eye out for you buddy.

Good smallie fishing below the rapids throughout the South Kawishiwi. I'm headed there next week!

JD

Really good Smallie fishing in the Kawishiwi. Fish above and below rapids, like jdevries said,and you’ll have fun. I’d also recommend a no. 7 Black and Silver Shap, it has never failed me in the bwca.

Thanks to you all for helping.

CanoeViking: "Really good Smallie fishing in the Kawishiwi. Fish above and below rapids, like jdevries said,and you’ll have fun. I’d also recommend a no. 7 Black and Silver Shap, it has never failed me in the bwca. "

Canoe Viking I just checked my map again. Are the Rapids you're referring to at the North End of the kawishiwi triangle or are they at the southernmost portion of the South kawishiwi River near Bruin and little gabbro Lake?

drrick: "

CanoeViking: "Really good Smallie fishing in the Kawishiwi. Fish above and below rapids, like jdevries said,and you’ll have fun. I’d also recommend a no. 7 Black and Silver Shap, it has never failed me in the bwca. "

Canoe Viking I just checked my map again. Are the Rapids you're referring to at the North End of the kawishiwi triangle or are they at the southernmost portion of the South kawishiwi River near Bruin and little gabbro Lake?"

I was referring to all rapids. But the rapids before the spilt of the north and south section treated me well.

The rapids along the two portages that stay on the river but that are near the portage to Lil Gabbro have treated me well.

JD

drrick: "Two of us will be going in the 15th at Lake one entry point. We may head over to Lake three initially and then down towards the South kawishiwi. Will keep an eye out for you buddy."

I'm entering at Lake One just after the holiday and considering base camping Lake Three and headed up into Rifle/Bridge/Delta. I'll report back before your trip.

I'm planning my retirement trip next fall about this time - Sept/Oct time frame. I have been researching on this forum for a yr or two. Plan to camp out of my truck and small 16' travel trailer (yet to purchase). I am looking at the campground right on HWY 1.

Question: Is the Kawishiwi River wadeable at that point? I understand water levels can vary but usually most streams are lowest in fall. I plan an extended trip of 3-4 weeks and move around as I have never been to the area, but enjoy wade fishing in streams.
Gladly accept advice on any stream - mostly interested in smallies and walleyes - I get all the trout fishing I want here in Missouri.

I don't think the South K is wadeable at the campground. But! Just up Hwy 1 towards Ely the road crosses the river again as if flows towards White Iron. There's a parking area on the right and that is definitely and area you could wade. Also, my brother and I have waded part of the Shagawa River just oustide of Ely.

JD

What is the water clarity like on the South Kawishiwi? I'm assuming its tanic similar to gabbro??

Drew8989: "What is the water clarity like on the South Kawishiwi? I'm assuming its tanic similar to gabbro??"

Correct.

Are you guys talking about the section of river that runs along HWY 1?

The highway crosses the river twice. Jdevries is talking about the part of the river below the dam that exists right along side the highway 1 bridge. That crossing is about two and a half miles from the campgrounds. The river is not wade-able at the South Kawishiwi campgrounds since it is virtually nothing more than a bay of Birch Lake because of the dam.

Awesome work and what a art and skill.