Hey guys,

Relatively new fisherman and member of bwca.com, so I apologize if this is a repeat question or if my fishing ignorance shows in this post.

I have gone on an annual fishing trip to the BWCA for the last 4 years and have always tried to find the 'perfect' fishing lake for walleye or SMB, and thats where my group heads. But I do not really get how a place like the BWCA, with little to no pollution, limited fishing pressure, and all these lakes being basically in the same geographical location could be much different than each other in terms of quality of fishing. I could see how bigger lakes maybe would have more trophy fish in them. But for example I have seen people say something like "Cherokee isn't known for good fishing, but just go a bit farther and Frost has good fishing." Or "the western side of the BWCA generally has better fishing." It seems everyone has opinions on if a certain lake is good for fishing or not, but to me, most lakes share a lot more similarities than differences.

Any insight into why some lakes hold more fish (if this is true...)? Nutrient levels? Depth of lake? Flowing water in/out of a lake? More rocky bottoms vs sandy bottoms?

Thanks for the insights :)

All those can hold true.

But some lakes just don't have the same species. That's why the "western lakes" idea is around....a fair number of lakes on the east side are more lake trout lakes. Deeper and better habitat for them and sometimes not much else in those lakes.

So they all can have decent fishing, but one might be better for lakers, one maybe better for walleye, one might be loaded with smallmouth. Some lakes were stocked, some are natural, some lakes are connected to others, some have never been stocked and are on their own. Lots of variables.

Also, your timing makes a big difference. Say you're after smallies and you have 2 lakes near each other, both loaded with bass. One is stained water and shallower and one is deep and clear. The few days you're there fishing, those lakes could have a 10 degree water temp difference. They both have outstanding bass fishing but one they could be up shallow and smashing top water and you say "I love this lake". The other one at that same time they could be out deep staging or post spawn or whatever and you think it sucks. If you went a week or two earlier or later you'd love that lake instead of the first one. Someone that takes the same trip as you but 2 weeks later might have the exact opposite reaction to the smallie fishing in those lakes.

It is always fun to wonder and think through the reasons of fishing success. All the lakes are similar in geographical area sure I can buy that somewhat but there are a myriad of different factors that are by far more influential. (You alluded to a lot of them).

You are exactly right that everyone has an opinion and they likely vary widely. I will share some of the reasons I think fishing quality varies so much. I did not analyze every aspect super in depth but the following are my variables rated from most important to least important. This is a loose order with a lot of cause and effect that impact each other.

1. Forage base. What is there for the fish to eat in the lakes? Baitfish (tons of different kinds) , crayfish, panfish, bug life presence. Lakes with a strong forage base will typically have the best fishing and this variable varies a lot from lake to lake in the BWCA.

2. Lake size. You already mentioned this one but bigger lakes will have much better quality fishing (typically). Sometimes fish can be harder to find though due to more areas to fish and try.

3. Bottom composition/ structure. (This ties in a lot with forage a lot) Lakes with rocks and gravel mainly will not have great bug hatches but may have lots of crayfish or other forage base. Where lakes with more muddy bottoms, weed growth, etc will have a lot of bug hatches and different forage system.

4. Fish Species in the lake. Are the predatorial fish. What other species are present. Big pike seem to keep thigs in check nicely. If there are not big predatory fish sometimes the lakes can get stunted and quality of fish suffer. Most lakes in the BWCA have bass but if they don't or don't have many other species often fare better in size and numbers.

Other topics to consider... Like cyclones mentioned time of year dictates quality of fishing for a lot of less experienced anglers. (even experienced ones as well) I think that would be the overall #1 variable in my opinion.

Various factors such as weather, fishing gear used, lures (live bait or artificial) water clarity, moon phase, water temperature, moving water, proximity to entry points, number of campsites on the lake, and many other variables I am probably forgetting.

Wow, thanks BWfishing and Cyclone for the great insight!! Your responses make me realize how I know maybe 1% of what there is to learn about fishing. But what you all said makes a lot of sense and always love learning :)

I have a trip planned through LIS North and Seagull this summer and will try and find some good lakes in those areas that hopefully have some of the aforementioned items.

Would you think the shape of the lake could affect the quality of fishing? I am thinking like a lake that is perfectly round and just slowly creeps to the deepest point at the center with little reefs or drop offs maybe wouldn't have the hiding spots or other areas for bait fish to produce and be food for the predatory fish? And conversely, a lake with many points, islands, reefs, etc., would maybe on average hold more fish?

And maybe one last question, is there any way to know if a lake has a good forage base without going there yourself or talking to people who have been? Can't imagine just looking at a map you could discern that...

Thanks again!!

Best not to forget the absolute most important rule when fishing the BWCA alway fish on a lake that i am not on. For a nominal fee you can check my location on google earth and know exactly where not to fish!

Haha! I feel you! I can't tell you how many times my friends and I will be fishing catching close to nothing and hear multiple other groups nearby constantly yelling "fish on!!" One day i'll get there....

wette: "...and hear multiple other groups nearby constantly yelling "fish on!!" ...."

This is a good example of bad etiquette, bwca or anywhere. If you hear guys from another boat, they are being too loud!

You'll find some fish out of both of those entries.

As for the shape of the lake or general layout, I tend to like the ones with points and islands and "structure" that's easy to come by. But....that also means you've got 100 spots to check if you don't find fish early on. If you're in a bathtub they can only be in a few areas really.

An example for your LIS trip, Snow Bay of LLC has a lot of islands and general complexity with depth and such too....plus it's part of a gigantic lake. Compare that to Fat lake which is just south a bit....it's a small round bath tub. If you figure out that rocky points are key for smallies on top water Snow Bay is amazing, they're everywhere. No points on Fat anywhere. But lakers....they're in Fat and can't go too far. I'd MUCH rather fish for lakers there and know I'm close already than try and catch a laker anywhere in LLC any day.

That makes sense cyclones (also btw I loved watching Iowa states run in March madness, assuming that’s where you got your name from).

I’ve never brought any electronics with me to the BW, so I like the ‘easy’ option of just going off points and around islands. I would be very intimidated to try and navigate good spots in a bathtub/bowl shaped lake.

But this is all super helpful info, thanks a million.

Promise I am not trying to brag but instead of taking a bunch of time to share more thoughts, may I suggest you go to the trip reports section. I published a trip report from this last summer June 2021. Its called "Awesome June fishing on Knife lake". or something like that. It is still on the first page I think. You should learn a lot reading through my trip report. Let me know if you have further questions. That trip we put in on Seagull lake. I have not been to LIS.

In general I like lake with lots of islands, points, reefs, etc. The more structure the better in my opinion.

bobbernumber3: "

wette: "...and hear multiple other groups nearby constantly yelling "fish on!!" ...."

This is a good example of bad etiquette, bwca or anywhere. If you hear guys from another boat, they are being too loud!"

NO FUN ALLOWED IN THE BWCA. DO NOT GET EXCITED, YOU MUST BE SILENT AT ALL TIMES.

Thanks, yes that's where it's from. Grew up a fan and went there for college and lived in Ames a few more years after that. Definitely an unexpected season and I'll take it.

My email is good if you want me to expand more on the LIS side of things. I don't take electronics either.

bobbernumber3: "

wette: "...and hear multiple other groups nearby constantly yelling "fish on!!" ...."

This is a good example of bad etiquette, bwca or anywhere. If you hear guys from another boat, they are being too loud!"

Oh yes, you must always remember to zip your lips in the BWCA. Suppress those excited emotions!

OMGitsKa: "

bobbernumber3: "

wette: "...and hear multiple other groups nearby constantly yelling "fish on!!" ...."

This is a good example of bad etiquette, bwca or anywhere. If you hear guys from another boat, they are being too loud!"

NO FUN ALLOWED IN THE BWCA. DO NOT GET EXCITED, YOU MUST BE SILENT AT ALL TIMES. "

my mistake... constant yelling is fine.

OMGitsKa: "

bobbernumber3: "

wette: "...and hear multiple other groups nearby constantly yelling "fish on!!" ...."

This is a good example of bad etiquette, bwca or anywhere. If you hear guys from another boat, they are being too loud!"

NO FUN ALLOWED IN THE BWCA. DO NOT GET EXCITED, YOU MUST BE SILENT AT ALL TIMES. "

Finally someone who gets it! and children are the worst, they break all the rules, throw rocks and shit in the lake, constantly want bigger fires, scream and giggle at all hours of the day disturbing those of us who come for the solitude, ban those little noisy bastards I say… Don’t even get me started on those GD barking dogs, or those first timers overwhelmed by the experience, 50 strokes across the backside, make that paddle do double duty that’s my mantra brother….

I believe fishing in the BWCA is consistently better than fishing outside the BWCA (at least in regards to my own adventures). Not saying non-BWCA lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, etc. are pointless to fish... But I've definitely had far more success in terms of consistency in the BWCA. My own 'why' variables are 1) BWCA lakes are far deeper on average than any other body of water I've ever fished 2) when I visit the BWCA, almost all of my energy is dedicated to catching fish. At non-BWCA fishing spots, I'm far less invested/focused on actually catching fish.

I fish lakes north of the BWCA, but they look the same as BWCA lakes and to be blunt, some of those lakes suck. I worked hard to reach one lake and caught only little perch. At another, only little smallmouth. At two others, nothing. So, not all lakes are equal in the Canadian Shield.

bobbernumber3: "

OMGitsKa: "

bobbernumber3: "

wette: "...and hear multiple other groups nearby constantly yelling "fish on!!" ...."

This is a good example of bad etiquette, bwca or anywhere. If you hear guys from another boat, they are being too loud!"

NO FUN ALLOWED IN THE BWCA. DO NOT GET EXCITED, YOU MUST BE SILENT AT ALL TIMES. "

my mistake... constant yelling is fine."

Hey, BN3. We've never met, but I've enjoyed your posts for years and you strike me as a mensch. Like you, I also love the quiet. I once fished a lake that I loved with waterfalls at both ends and big bass, walleye, and pike, but one day, two groups arrived and so I immediately packed and left and have never returned and never will return. Like you, I like the quiet. I'm like old Huck Finn, who lit out for the territories when Missouri was becoming intolerably civilized.

missmolly: "

bobbernumber3: "

OMGitsKa: "

bobbernumber3: "

wette: "...and hear multiple other groups nearby constantly yelling "fish on!!" ...."

This is a good example of bad etiquette, bwca or anywhere. If you hear guys from another boat, they are being too loud!"

NO FUN ALLOWED IN THE BWCA. DO NOT GET EXCITED, YOU MUST BE SILENT AT ALL TIMES. "

my mistake... constant yelling is fine."

Hey, BN3. We've never met, but I've enjoyed your posts for years and you strike me as a mensch. Like you, I also love the quiet. I once fished a lake that I loved with waterfalls at both ends and big bass, walleye, and pike, but one day, two groups arrived and so I immediately packed and left and have never returned and never will return. Like you, I like the quiet. I'm like old Huck Finn, who lit out for the territories when Missouri was becoming intolerably civilized. "

My reason for posting a reply to the OP was to point out some etiquette to someone who is fairly new to the bulletin board. I don't mind hearing other people at all... just not constant yelling, singing, or barking.

Mensch... had to look it up. Thanks!

bobbernumber3: "

missmolly: "

bobbernumber3: "

OMGitsKa: "

bobbernumber3: "

wette: "...and hear multiple other groups nearby constantly yelling "fish on!!" ...."

This is a good example of bad etiquette, bwca or anywhere. If you hear guys from another boat, they are being too loud!"

NO FUN ALLOWED IN THE BWCA. DO NOT GET EXCITED, YOU MUST BE SILENT AT ALL TIMES. "

my mistake... constant yelling is fine."

Hey, BN3. We've never met, but I've enjoyed your posts for years and you strike me as a mensch. Like you, I also love the quiet. I once fished a lake that I loved with waterfalls at both ends and big bass, walleye, and pike, but one day, two groups arrived and so I immediately packed and left and have never returned and never will return. Like you, I like the quiet. I'm like old Huck Finn, who lit out for the territories when Missouri was becoming intolerably civilized. "

My reason for posting a reply to the OP was to point out some etiquette to someone who is fairly new to the bulletin board. I don't mind hearing other people at all... just not constant yelling, singing, or barking.


Mensch... had to look it up. Thanks!"

It's a good word, for sure, and an even better thing to be.

This is a fact, the clearer the lake the more challenging it is to fish. I would add that once you learn to fish a very clear lake they can be extremely productive.There are lakes that can be a few hundred yards apart but the size, and structure and forage diversity makes them way more productive in both size and numbers. If you are looking for a specific species to target, research is the key. People here are very good about pointing you in the right direction. If you know when and where you’re going, you can get answers on how to catch them.

No one is saying don’t have fun, they are just saying try not to have loud fun for hours on end. I catch a lot of fish and I guess it never occurred to me to holler fish on every time I caught one. I would think to myself , I bet I kinda sound like a tool after a certain amount of time, but that is just my opinion. I have definitely packed up and moved to a different lake to enjoy a more subdued sort of fun. If your drunk and screaming at the top of your lungs at 3 am I start to assume you don’t really care about others experience in the wilderness, but once again that’s just my opinion.

Basspro69: "No one is saying don’t have fun, they are just saying try not to have loud fun for hours on end. I catch a lot of fish and I guess it never occurred to me to holler fish on every time I caught one. I would think to myself , I bet I kinda sound like a tool after a certain amount of time, but that is just my opinion. I have definitely packed up and moved to a different lake to enjoy a more subdued sort of fun. If your drunk and screaming at the top of your lungs at 3 am I start to assume you don’t really care about others experience in the wilderness, but once again that’s just my opinion."

I think there's a happy medium for sure. Your examples are extreme and, luckily, I've never encountered that sort of belligerence in the BWCA. I'm all for a little whoop on occasion, especially if said whoop is coming from a kid or because of a trophy fish.

Back on subject I have always had better luck on lakes with larger rivers feeding them as opposed to land locked ones.

nooneuno: "Back on subject I have always had better luck on lakes with larger rivers feeding them as opposed to land locked ones."

For sure, x100 better fishing in these instances

DRob1992: "

nooneuno: "Back on subject I have always had better luck on lakes with larger rivers feeding them as opposed to land locked ones."

For sure, x100 better fishing in these instances"

Just looking on the West side of the BWCA for some good examples of this. I see Stuart Lake has kind of 2 rivers flowing into it. Hustler has a river, Oyster has a creek. Are these good examples, or are you talking about an even bigger river?

The entire US/Canadian border is a flowage from Sag to knife to basswood to crooked to Iron to LLC. All of those lakes have phenomenal fishing.

There absolutely are some lakes that are better than others, but it's hard to pin down without fishing them. There are lakes I thought were going to be dynomite where I didn't catch a thing, and then theres some mediocre looking lakes where we have crushed fish. The best way to learn is do your research beforehand and have a plan b,c,d, and e in case plan a doesn't work out.

Based Alert

Most of you know that fishing/catching has many variables. Here's an example. A few years back we were trolling the shorelines with shallow runners in about 8-10 feet of water around noon time. There was an area about 30 yards long that we ALWAYS got a bite and usually caught doubles. We figured we fished there for about 1.5 hours and caught 50-60 eyes, mostly 14"-18". We paddled back to camp to get some rest and lunch and then went back to the honey hole around 6:30pm. We fished the exact same spot with the exact same bait for an hour and caught one northern.

We don't know what actually caused the change, but here is one main difference. During the day when we were catching the fish the wind was blowing at probably 10-15 mph into this bay from the east. When we went back in the evening it was calm, almost glassy. Maybe the difference in catching was the change in light, temperature and wind/waves.

I've managed a handful of lakes for fishing here in mid Missouri for the past 20 years and most of what everyone has posted already is true. Why a body of water produces fish of different numbers and quality depends on a lot of factors. Some of it is mineral composition, nitrogen levels play a big role, also the number and species of fish present in the lake. All sorts of factors. So, rather than say what everyone else has already said.... that it is basically a matter of complex science.... I can tell you this....

Don't concern yourself too much with what species are supposed to be present in what lakes, particularly if you're chasing smallmouth. Every lake in the BWCA has smallmouth and a pike. That's a fact. Not every lake will have walleye, perch, or lake trout. Some of the best smallmouth fishing I've had in both parks are in lakes that most would consider while I likes. Send me a PM and I'll give you a few lakes. We've also done some of our best lake trout fishing in a lake that everyone considers to be shallow and full of nothing but pike and walleye. Big lake lake trout in this lake!

Tight lines,

!$BR

BR!$