I am wondering if anyone has any specific knowledge about fishing on Deer Lake or Moon Lake near Clearwater/Caribou.

I am leading a group of newbies on a 4 day early June trip this year that have never been to the bwca before. One of them lives in Oklahoma. Since I have gone twice myself to Caribou and love it there, that's where I am taking them. Of course we will hit Johnson Falls.

I know the fishing is can be quite good on Caribou. I had pretty good luck there. But I might want to try something a little different to also give myself a new experience, I am thinking about heading to Deer or Moon Lake to try the fishing there. Plus, it is always good to have a backup plan if the fishing isn't going well.

Does anyone have knowledge about fishing either of those lakes or both?
Is one better than the other?
Worth going to?
Numbers and size? Species?
Any specific areas to try?

I really appreciate any feedback. Looking to maximize the experience for all of us!

No personal experience but the DNR survey (2010) lists some good size walleyes in Moon, plus some smaller perch and decent pike. No survey for Deer.

When will you be there? I'll be in the Clearwater/Caribou area May 30 - June 3.

You should listen to a couple Tumblehome podcast episodes. They at least mention those 2 lakes and do a very deep dive into Caribou fishing and campsites etc

cyclones30: "You should listen to a couple Tumblehome podcast episodes. They at least mention those 2 lakes and do a very deep dive into Caribou fishing and campsites etc "

Thanks for the info. I just followed them and I will look for those specific episodes. Anyone on here fished either of those lakes?

All of the answers

More answers

tcoeguy: "

cyclones30: "You should listen to a couple Tumblehome podcast episodes. They at least mention those 2 lakes and do a very deep dive into Caribou fishing and campsites etc "

Thanks for the info. I just followed them and I will look for those specific episodes. Anyone on here fished either of those lakes?


"

Tumblehome episode 007

We fished Moon several years ago (daytrip from E. Bearskin) and couldn't keep the smallies off our lures. Not big, but plentiful. Deer is an easy daytrip from Caribou and is well worth it. We have pulled in some really nice smallies there (18 - 20"). But since then I have been informed that these lakes are better known for Walleye. Maybe we should have used different tactics and gone for them. Very pretty little lakes to explore though.