Hi all,

We are thinking of planning a trip to Clearwater Lake EP 62 next May. Just wondering if anyone had any tips on how they have fished this lake before? AKA trolling, casting, leach and a bobber? Open to fishing for anything and any advice you might have..

Thanks!

If you're after lakers, Mountain is where you'll want to spend some time. I fished Clearwater for a half day just after ice out this past May with no luck. Feedback from locals was that Clearwater can be a tough lake to fish as its stuffed with good forage. But it's a gorgeous lake in a really beautiful part of the BWCA. There are also brookies in Gogebic (easy hike from east end of Clearwater) and Pemmican (off of Mountain). No idea about walleye.

If you're using an outfitter, Clearwater Lodge is right there. Good people. They have a very informative website with info on camping and fishing on lakes in the area.
https://clearwaterhistoriclodge.com/gunflint-trail-activities/fishing/

Have fun.

Agree this Lake can be tough. Most of the south side of the lake has very steep cliffs so the water gets deep fast at the shore. The north side of the lake is where you want to go. Seek out the rocky points or small bays. These are located about in the middle of the lake on the north side. Look on a map to view what I’m talking about. This is where the Smallmouth Bass are. I’ve had two 100 fish days on this lake. Also there is a sunken island that comes up to about 2 feet under the surface. Look on google maps and you will see a lighter shaded part in the far eastern end big bay of the lake, fish there! Loaded with Bass. As for bait you will want to use worms on a red hook under a slip bobber. Another killer is a #2 or #3 Mepps spinner with a black and white squirrel tail and silver body. If you do these things you will catch so many Bass you will need to find a good set of hammock trees.

One more thing about fishing for Lakers. This is going to sound a bit crazy, but it’s the truth. I had the GPS coordinates but lost them in my GPS. You will need to be in the middle of the lake and look at the beautiful south side palisades. About half way up one of the palisade cliffs you will see an unusual rock formation. It looks like an English Setter hunting dog, complete with head, body, two legs and tail pointing out. Not kidding, you need to fish there for Lakers. If you ask the owner at Clearwater Outfitters they might show you where this is. Get a few Rapala Tail Dancers in Purpledescent color. They might be shallow this time of year so try right next to the cliff and out a bit.

Thank you so much for the tips all! We really appreciate it.. One last question. When you say worms...crawlers correct?? That is what we bounce off the bottom for smallies on the Menonomee River and they seem to work well.

Thanks so much again, Chas

Thank you so much for the tips all! We really appreciate it.. One last question. When you say worms...crawlers correct?? That is what we bounce off the bottom for smallies on the Menonomee River and they seem to work well.

Thanks so much again, Chas

Yes, I meant to say Night Crawlers. I use a full crawler that I pump up with a worm blower. This keeps them off the bottom and presents a larger bait.

Was up there in July this year. 6 of us caught 3 lakers total, and we fished pretty hard for them.
Did catch quite a few smallmouth in Clearwater.
Went to Mountain Lake and Caribou also. In Mountain we didn't catch one laker, but hammered the smallmouth. Caribou we had good luck with smallies, eyes, & pike.
Clearwater is a great lake with the palisades,very clear water, and very few mosquitos.