Hi, All -

I am part of a group of 6 heading up to Kawnipi Aug. 24 - 30 through the Falls Chain. I would love to hear anyone's advice or experiences that may add to our trip. Fishing is the main focus here and I would be interested in forum members' input on the following topics:

1. Being late August, what strategies should we employ to catch walleye/SMB/pike? In the past, we have only been able to catch walleyes in late August with slip bobbers and leeches in the BWCA.
2. Lure recommendations?
3. Locations on the lake where you have had success?
4. Camp site recommendations?
5. Day trips?
6. Miscellaneous advice?

Always appreciate the advice and insight on this forum. Thanks for your help!

I wouldn't rush through the Falls chain. Lots of good fishing on the way.

We did Falls Chain two years ago and just crushed all species of fish (except lakers)

1. Being late August, what strategies should we employ to catch walleye/SMB/pike? In the past, we have only been able to catch walleyes in late August with slip bobbers and leeches in the BWCA.

I would focus under the water falls right on the edge of the fast moving water. focus on any areas with a current. But for the most part I would continue with similar strategies you have used in the past, humps, reefs etc.

2. Lure recommendations?

They bit on a lot of things when we were up there. Around the water falls we did well on walleye with: Jig head with a ring worm (white/white&purple) Johnson Thinfisher in gold, Jig with twister tail (white/gold/orange)

The same stuff above caught SMB's as well. Only think I would add is that we threw Mepp's #4 spinners and white Heddon Zora Spooks towards shore near the falls and retrieved and caught many small mouth and northern pike as well.

On humps we did well with jigs and twister tail and also trolling Berkley Flickershads back and forth over the hump. best success on gold/purple.


3. Locations on the lake where you have had success?

Best locations were under the waterfalls as we neared Kawnipi. We also did really well in the channel going onto Kawnipi where there is still current. There is also a large hump going on Kawnipi as you exit the channel that garnered a 30+ walleye day.

4. Camp site recommendations?

We stayed close to the falls so we could catch lots of fish! I wouldn't say it was a great site but I would sacrifice that for the fishing. I think it was second site after getting on Kawnipi.

If I think of any random tidbits I will message you.

AmarilloJim: "I wouldn't rush through the Falls chain. Lots of good fishing on the way."

This. We almost didn’t get to Kawnipi when a party member threw a line in while waiting at one of the portages ...

When on Kawnipi, you'll have a very, very fun time if you can find weeds, especially cabbage. Look for that, and you'll have fish on soon enough.