We're planning 3-4 days in early/mid June. Father/son. Motorboat and a combo of bunkhouse/campground sleeping at a few different places.

Our primary target is lake trout. From there, it would be walleye, pike and smallies only as a last resort. (Last year's trip was all smallies). We really want trout first and foremost! All suggestions appreciated.

Should I keep our focus on bigger lakes like Clearwater and Gunflint (or Saganaga or Seagull?) or put in the work to get on smaller lakes nearby? We can be as mobile as we need to be. From Gunflint, I could obviously get into Magnetic and possibly North Lake. Mayhew, Birch, West Bearskin, Poplar and Loon all look interesting.

I'm thinking trout might still be fairly shallow at this time, but we can troll cranks down deep with leadcore and/or snap weights if they've moved out already. Otherwise, active jigging with white tubes to try to call them up from down below? Floating raps and husky jerks if shallow?

We'll bring a 14-footer/6hp but will pony up for a resort rental when necessary. (I.e. if we can't get a day motor permit for Clearwater or if the wind is bad on Gunflint.) Also not opposed to renting a canoe and entering BWCA on a day permit, if outstanding fishing would be more likely.

For licensing, I believe the RABC is no longer required to fish the Canadian side of Gunflint as long as we don't anchor up or go ashore? Just an Ontario fishing license?

Thanks!

It looks to me like you've got it figured out. Good plan. The DNR numbers say West Bearskin, but I've never caught one there.
Choose a lake and put in the hours and you'll likely catch fish.

Well, I definitely don't have anything figured out... but excited to give this a good shot. Made bunkhouse reservations today. Arriving June 12, leaving June 15. The only thing that's for certain is that we'll be fishing Gunflint Lake. Beyond that is up in the air. If I can get a clearwater day permit we'll definitely take a day there as well.

I'm on the fence about buying an Ontario fishing license for Gunflint Lake but will probably just do it to keep our options open. My understanding is that my kid would not need a license unless he wanted his own bag limit.

GG i'm a big fan of seagull but with boat/motor your limited to south side of 3 mile and north of the access ,
have traveled through clearwater many times but never fished it , but from what i've read you may not catch many at all but quality can be there.
with lead core/ snap weights keep the spoons in the arsenal ;)

How old is your son? Lake trout searches can be looonnggg. If you need some trout action, hit one of the local lakes for rainbows as a plan B. Small cleos and the smallest husky jerks work great.

Thanks fellas! My kid is 12 and loves to fish. If I keep him in snacks and Gatorade I think he could be out all day. Trolling Lakers is up his alley cuz he can read a book once our lines are set and just grab a rod from the holder when the clicker goes.

Shock I will definitely be putting together a few nice spoons with good swivels.

Do folks have a preferred jig / white tube combo?

I'll be on Clearwater the same time you're in the area. It looks to be at least 120 feet deep in parts! I plan to use a 3-way swivel to drop lead and troll spoons and cranks.

Yep, it's a deep one -- and very sharp breaks. It looks like it can go from 0 to 100 feet of depth really quickly in some spots. That's going to be challenging, but I've spent some time on Grindstone Lake which is similar in that respect.

thegildedgopher: "We're planning 3-4 days in early/mid June. Father/son. Motorboat and a combo of bunkhouse/campground sleeping at a few different places.

Our primary target is lake trout. From there, it would be walleye, pike and smallies only as a last resort. (Last year's trip was all smallies). We really want trout first and foremost! All suggestions appreciated.

Should I keep our focus on bigger lakes like Clearwater and Gunflint (or Saganaga or Seagull?) or put in the work to get on smaller lakes nearby? We can be as mobile as we need to be. From Gunflint, I could obviously get into Magnetic and possibly North Lake. Mayhew, Birch, West Bearskin, Poplar and Loon all look interesting.

I'm thinking trout might still be fairly shallow at this time, but we can troll cranks down deep with leadcore and/or snap weights if they've moved out already. Otherwise, active jigging with white tubes to try to call them up from down below? Floating raps and husky jerks if shallow?

We'll bring a 14-footer/6hp but will pony up for a resort rental when necessary. (I.e. if we can't get a day motor permit for Clearwater or if the wind is bad on Gunflint.) Also not opposed to renting a canoe and entering BWCA on a day permit, if outstanding fishing would be more likely.

For licensing, I believe the RABC is no longer required to fish the Canadian side of Gunflint as long as we don't anchor up or go ashore? Just an Ontario fishing license?

Thanks!"

Add Moss lake to your list, they aren't big but they are plentiful

Thanks basspro69. Yes I have read about the numbers on moss. If we have a really tough trip I may keep that in the back pocket for the last day. The rough plan is:

Day 1: arriving at Clearwater mid-afternoon. Get our bunks set up and get launched and ready.. Eat an early dinner and go laker trolling on Clearwater til we’re tired.

Day 2: back to Clearwater with a possible hike and side trip to gogebic. Probably load up the boat by 3-4pm unless the afternoon is a hot bite. Head over to gunflint, get bunked and launched. Rest up and hang around the lodge.

Day 3: up early and after the lakers on gunflint. Afternoon/evening exploring with a Side trip to either magnetic or north.

Day 4: if gunny has been good to us we’ll get out one more time in the morning before heading home. If it’s been slow, we’ll be looking for one last shot at glory somewhere else! — either maybe or maybe moss?

Clearwater is an awesome excellent lake and probably one of my favorite lakes I’ve been to in my life . If you get out trolling really early or anytime it’s raining your chances of catching them increases exponentially, have a great time up there !

Basspro69: "Clearwater is an awesome excellent lake and probably one of my favorite lakes I’ve been to in my life . If you get out trolling really early or anytime it’s raining your chances of catching them increases exponentially, have a great time up there !"

Thanks! Can late nights work as well, or is the early morning bite far and away the best for lakers?

Less than a month to go 'til this trip happens, getting pretty antsy! Thought I'd follow up with a few questions:

- How early do folks typically set out after lake trout? 6am? Before that? And on the flip side, is there a dusk or late night window to pay attention to as well?

- Shock -- I noticed all of your spoons have dressed hooks. Do you always use hair in the BWCA? Do you feel they help with trout? I did get a few of the 1 and 2 oz bucktail jigs that I'm looking forward to drifting with.

- If anyone's been on clearwater and would like to share a fishing report or water temp report I'd love to hear!

We'll be up in the Gunflint area at the same time looking for lakers. Good luck! Sounds like a great trip. If the plans allow it, I would definitely hit Seagull. I've had the most luck on Seagull. Make sure to try a couple of deep dive Rapala Taildancers. Those are always a winning lures with the Lakers.

thegildedgopher: "
- How early do folks typically set out after lake trout? 6am? Before that? And on the flip side, is there a dusk or late night window to pay attention to as well?


- Shock -- I noticed all of your spoons have dressed hooks. Do you always use hair in the BWCA? Do you feel they help with trout? (others feel free to weight in too!)


- If anyone's been on clearwater, gunflint, magnetic, or north and would like to share a fishing report or water temp report I'd love to hear!"

One week to go! Still hoping for a little feedback on the above 3 questions. Anyone have recent reports?