Lake Kabetogama-Minn.

[Wallydiver]

Was wondering if anyone has been to this lake. Considering a family vacation in late June or July. What can I expect of the fishing etc? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[EyeJacker]

Wrought with hazzards...get a good map of lake. I have the FHS map with GPS coordinates. Also suggest getting a guide on this water 'til you get comfortable with it. :)
Jack

[Don B]

I went there my first time last year. We arrived in late July. The lake has a lot of structure, rocks, reefs, ect. If you are carefull you shouldn't have any problems. This was a family vacation and we still caught some nice walleyes and sauger. The scenery is beautiful and we had a great time. We are going back this year.

Don Brudny

[jon]

Wallydiver,
Agree with the above post. Fairly shallow lake with lots of humps. Fished it a few times and mainly trolled crankbaits or lindy rigs.
Cold fronts really hit the lake hard but you can shoot down to Namakan and get away from it because its a lot deeper. I agree with the guide idea, at least for the first day. We hired Ross Crowe and it was the best thing we ever did. We had a cold front and decided to go to Namakan. Filled out with nice walleyes in 4 hors and then attacked the smallies for the rest of the day. Stayed at Sandy Point on the far west side. Good luck, its a beautiful lake.

[TBO/MN]

I live on a houseboat that is located on the Namakin basin. I fish mostly Namakin, Sand Point, and Crane Lake. I guide for donations,;) and will spend a day, or morning/afternoon on the water with you. I monitor channel 5 on the radio, and usually need a day advance notice if you want to fish. This area is all in the Voyageurs National Park, so all park rules apply, as well as all Minnesota water/game laws. If you wish to fish on the Ontario side of the lakes, you will need to have an Ontario fishing license and will have to check in at Canadian customs or have a remote border crossing permit. My boat name is "Joan Alice" or you can get to me on channel 5 by contacting the "Roni Rae" houseboat.

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

PS...I also have the tackle that works on these lakes, for a small donation ;)

[MarkG]

Went there for 1st time last June. Didnt use a guide ,had a bit of a tough time the 1st couple of days.Was bright sunny no wind,high water.
But still caught a few eaters and bunch of Northerns. By midweek got cool and a little rainy with some winds,fishing really turned around
and probly turned into one of best Walleye trips I have had. We lost count of all the slot fish we had to pitch back cuz they were too big to keep.All at the upper end of the slot. By weeks end we had to search for smaller eater fish or eat Brats! Not Complaining !! Had a great time,didnt need a guide, yes watch your step regarding hazards especially close to islands. You will like Kabe,,I planning on returning when I get time.

[gremlin266]

I have gone to Kab for the last several years with a group from work. If you want to e-mail me Tmgremes@aol.com I will tell you several resorts to STAY away from!! We usually head up there every June (1st week) and plan on going back from now on. Fishing has always been good for us & there is a lot of water to explore. We didn't hire a guide our first trip up there. The second trip we did...it's made all the difference in the world. If you type in "Lake Kabetogama" in your search engine, it will give you a list of resorts/campgrounds as well as the web site for The Gateway Store (they even have a shopping list to download). The folks up there are GREAT!!! TBO/MN...We will be trying Namakan this year & we will be looking for some help (we'll gladly donate:) We'll be there the 8th - 15th of June & will look you up.

[REW]

As is the case with a lot of the Shield lakes, in addition to the excellent walleye and northern fishing, the small mouth bass fishing is some of the best in the country.

If you get tird of Walleyes, go for some bronzebacks. Work the rocks next to the shady sides of the islands, and you will have a blast.

Be wise, and hire a guide for the first day - and enjoy the rest of the trip. You will learn lots of specific tips and ways to fish this lake, and generally good areas to fish.

Well worth the money. Don't forget a camera for the breathtaking scenery.

Watch the rocks!!@!!!!!!
The will reach up and bite your lower unit - when you least expect it.

Another great way to do Kab is with the use of a house boat. Lots of houseboats for rent - either on Kab, Nam, or Rainy. Another great option, and not much different in price from the price of a good resort.

Take care
REW

[Xplorer]

Wallydiver,
Will just echo what the others have said. Been going up there camping/fishing the last 6 years and love it. Was lucky enough to be able to spend 22 days up there last summer over 6 long weekends:) With the slot put in place a few years ago the fishing has gotten better each year! I have fished mainly the east end of Kab and west half of Namakan.
I believe that eye's should be transitioning to the reefs about that time, check with your resort or Gateway store for up to date info. I tend to lindy rig with crawlers/leeches alot, but jigs work also. Should be a good time for smallmouths also, some very nice fish in this system. If you feel like taking a slow troll around some of the islands I would suggest throwing a #7or9 blue/white shadrap out behind you to drag around. I have caught some dandy pike this way while exploring with my electronics for walleye's.
You may see eagles, moose, deer, loons, and bears. You should really enjoy your week, its beautiful area.
Xplorer