Caribou Lake

[Smitty]

Thinking of a trip to Caribou Lake (North of Duluth) this summer. Any input or advice on the lake or other good eye lakes in the area would be appreciated . Also any places close to stay?

PS - Looks like a pretty small lake, will my 1700 Pro Sport be too big???

Thanks in advance, Smitty

[Xplorer]

Caribou is more known as a bluegill/crappie lake with a few good size pike thrown in. Depending on when you plan to be here you may want to consider trying the St Louis river or one of the local reservoirs (Fish, Island Lake or Boulder which is aptly named) for 'eyes. A good bait shop with good info is Fisherman's corner 218-729-5369, and its close to Caribou. Scott there usually has a good handle on what/where is hot around Duluth. Hope this helps you out some. Xplorer

[RMB]

Are you refering to the lake just outside Duluth or the Caribou Lake up near Tofte off the North Shore? The lake just outside Duluth is exactly as the previous post mentioned. The one off the N. shore is primarily a walleye lake. Although you probably won't find any wall hangers (a good fish from there is 2-3lbs) you should be able to catch plenty of eaters (1-1/4lbs or so). Maps are available, but may be hard to find up there. I would just go to the DNR website and download a map from there no charge. Plus you can review the stocking and fish population status as well while you're in there. Good luck!

[Smitty]

I'm not thoroughly familiar with the Duluth area, but the lake I am talking about is right on County Road 4. Appears to be about 100 miles N/NE of Duluth (closest town is Lutsen).

Does that help?

[RMB]

If you go into the Minn. DNR website and look it up you will find much more info. I believe it will be listed under Lake County. You might have to verify this by checking a map, but I believe that's correct. Good Luck!

[Smitty]

<center><font size="1" color="#ff0000">LAST EDITED ON Jan-04-00 AT 05:18PM (EST)</font></center>

So it's a pretty good eye lake? Any tips on fishing it (probably in July)? Can I get my 1700 Pro Sport in the water there? DNR reports don't look bad, haven't looked at the maps yet.
Also, can you recommend a close place to stay?

Thanks, Dave

[RMB]

I have not personally fished this lake, however I have a buddy who's uncle has a cabin on it and he fishes it regularly. So I can't give you any direct tips. The lake is small though, and finding them shouldn't be too hard. As far as places to stay there are a lot of motels up and down the North shore. Lutsen ski resort has a nice place and I believe offer off season rates which may be reasonable enough. Otherwise, I would call up to the City of Tofte or Lutsen Chamber of Commerce and ask for lodging info. or better yet look in the DEX Yellow pages on the net. Good luck!

[Fin Addict]

I fish this lake a lot w/ my kids. Good #'s but very small eyes. Actually this is a better lake for smallies. I do best in the evening in 10' and less w/ lindy rig w/very small spinners w/ crawlers @ that time of year- slow troll w/ electric or drift. The entire shoreline is good but larger fish tend to be on the top of a couple long slow dropping points. Large here is anything over 2 lbs. Many better eye lakes in this area. The scenery is fabulous but if bigger fish are on your mind go to the St. Louis River out of Duluth or drive another 1-1/2 hours to Saganaga. Your boat will be fine on Caribou but there is a 25 hp. limit on Sag. Hire a guide if you go to Sag. Very confusing lake if it is your first time.

[Smitty]

Thanks for the info. Not really worried about big fish, would be happy with 1-2# eaters (or are they mostly smaller than that?).. Not really a river fisherman and since I have a 90HP on my boat Sag is probably out. Any other lakes in the area to try while we're there?