Voyageurs: Kabetogama or Namakan?

[Bruce]

We're going to Voyageurs in mid-June for 4 days, promised to camp on an island with two 14 yr boys. Chose Kab or Nam for proximaty so Moms can bail out to the car if (when) the need for town calls.

Want some walleye and smallies. Heard Namakan is stained. How bad is visibility, 4 feet or 4 inches. Even going slow, don't want a prop busted cuz we couldn't see rock 2 feet down. Would the dark water help daytime eye fishin? By mid June, is everything moved out to deep water? Your 2cts.

[TBO/MN]

I live on Crane Lake in the summer and was on Namakin, Sand Point, and Crane yesterday. As of yesterday the active fish are still in Crane. As the season goes on the activity changes from Kab. and Crane to Namakin and Sand Point. By mid June the Namakin bite will be in full swing. If you are looking for accessability, Kabatogama is the one you should camp on, Namakin is a bit to far out for a quick run to the car. Kaby is a clear lake and the confluence at the Kettle Falls cut off is where the clear of Kaby and stained of Namakin come together. The lake system to the east is all stained, and the disc rating is about 30 inches. The eastern side of the system flows west to the falls, and depending on the lake level, this flow can be quite strong. To check the lake level you can call a phone number, 1-800-509-lake. The IGAC rule curve for Namakin Lake is set normal at 1118.6 ft above sea level. It is still about 1 1/2 ft below "normal". When the lake settles in, about the mid of June,the best fishing is usually on Namakin and Sand Point. Remember there is a slot on the lake system, you can only keep fish in the 13 to 17 inch range. The law is pretty strict on this, both the DNR and park rangers have the authority to stop and check you, and unlawful fish will cost you $80. each. Get a park ruler from the Visitor Center on the lake and use it.

Hope all of this helps,
The Big One

[Tim]

There is a campsite in what I believe is called lost lake. This camp site is approx. straight north of the Ash River Visitors center. Should not take too much time to get to the vehicle from the campsite so mom's can go to town. The campsites are a first come first serve basis. However there are many other campsites besides this one. I believe this particular is the closest. I could be wrong though. We will be up there next week. Good luck on your trip. The boys will really enjoy.

Tim

[Hammerhead Herb]

Haven't been to Kabetogama for about 4 years. It is a great area however a word of caution. Before you go to an island, make sure you check with the park ranger as which islands are off limits due to bear problems. Have a great trip.

[Greg P.]

Bruce,
There are many forest service developed campsites scattered throughout both Namakan and Kabetogama. The ticket is to go the visitor’s center at Ash River and obtain a map which explains what amenities (bear proof lockers, tent pads, docks) are available at each campsite. There is a large display case located near the restrooms with these maps. Also, the visitor’s center has navigational maps available which show hazards, and navigable channels. Following in someone’s wake can help if you are uncertain, and they are headed your direction. You must still use caution, visibility is about 3 feet, so if you have someone in the front of the boat on rock patrol, and you are going slow, you should be fine. Don’t go blasting through a bay you are unfamiliar with.

For fishing, use your graph to locate walleyes just off reef in 30 – 50 ft of water. I always prefer reefs which do not drop sharply, a level shelf in 30 – 40 ft usually holds fish. You may have to try a couple of them to find active fish. Smallmouth can be caught by combing the shorelines with crankbaits or jigs.

Another note of importance: You may catch, clean and eat fish while you are camping, provided they are within the legal slot. But when you are going home, you may NOT have cleaned your fish until you have left the park. I was there this weekend and saw several bags of cleaned fish confiscated at the visitor’s center. You must keep your fish whole. Period. Most of the people landing at the visitor’s center did not know this, no fines where issued, but the fish were confiscated.

Hope this helps.
Greg P.

[Bruce]

Thanks for the several comments. Was worried bout stained water and rocks. But 3 feet won't eat my prop. Been on some tanin lakes with 6" before the white coffee cup disappears.

Appreciate the campsite info (bear lockers??!!!), and specially the fishing encouragement. Not to worry bout take home fish, catch & release cept for the obligatory shore lunch. Sounds like no peanut butter this trip!

[river rat]

I wouldnt worry to much about the bears but word of caution here.....put all your food and beverages in the bear locker at night and NO food in the tent anytime day or night. Also dont leave food in your boat. It can be a real mess in the morning. Dont think coolers are safe either. These bears have been raiding campers for many years and they are very good at it!!! Play it smart and you wont have any problems. Also get a fishing hot spots map. Good luck.