Fishing Kabetogama Lake

AKA: Lake Kabetogama

Popular Fish Species
Kabetogama Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Local Fishing Guides
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Kabetogama Lake, MN

Popular Fish Species Kabetogama Lake, MN

Kabetogama Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Kabetogama Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Walleye Fishing

Kabetogama Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Kabetogama Lake Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Kabetogama Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Kabetogama Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, sauger, bluegill, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Kabetogama Lake in Minnesota.

Walleye are the big prize at Kabetogama Lake, a 25,700-acre lake on the northern border of the state, at Kabetogama. This maze of lake and islands with over 100 miles of mostly rocky shoreline, this spectacular fishing lake is nestled within the scenic beauty of Voyageurs National Park.

Smallmouth bass is one of the most sought-after fish species in Kabetogama Lake. Walleye fishing in Kabetogama Lake is another highlight for anglers. Yellow perch are abundant here and offer fantastic angling opportunities. This lake is also home to bluegill and black crappie, two popular panfish species. Sauger, a close relative of walleye, can also be found in Kabetogama Lake. Northern pike, with their aggressive strikes and impressive size, add an extra element of excitement to fishing here.

Anglers can expect to catch bass, crappie, walleye, sauger, sunfish, perch and northern pike. There is plenty of areas for fishing from the bank, anywhere road access allows. Rental boats are available at the lake. Boat launch ramps are located at Ash River Public Water Access, Wooden Frog Campground, Mahaffey's Moosehorn Resort, and Lake Kabetogama Visitor Center. Ice fishing for perch and walleye is popular in winter.

Primary fish species residing in Kabetogama Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Kabetogama Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Arrowhead Lodge
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
218 875-2141

Grandview of Lake Kabetogama
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 875-2171

Herseths Tomahawk Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and canoes
218 875-2352

Northern Lights Resort & Outfitting
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 875-2591

Pine Aire Resort
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats
218 875-2161

The Pines of Kabetogama Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
218 875-2000

Voyageur Park Lodge
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 235-0240

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Ash River Visitor Center Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Mead Wood Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Kabetogama Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Gappa Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Wooden Frog Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 122, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.