Shorefishing Near the Arrowhead Trail

[Judge Smails]

Going up grouse hunting around the Hovland area next week and wondering if anyone had any suggestions for places to look for shorefishing opportunities?

We were leaning towards the Brule near the lake, but really have no idea what to expect having never tried it. Appreciate any suggestions.

[JBMasterAngler]

If your sticking with just the arrowhead trail area, you have chester and esther lakes, which are both stocked with stream trout. There's also devilfish lake, although I don't think the location of the access is in a good fishing spot. I've caught pike, bass, and perch from the mcfarland/john lake accesses. Also, casting spoons or spinners at the swamp river is usually good for a hammer handle or 2.

[Redlantern]

How far are you willing to walk? Grab your gun, daypack and a fishing rod and head into Margaret. Small rainbows in there the last time I fished it but it's perfect for shorefishing and requires a small hike through grouse country to get to it.

[Judge Smails]

Thanks for the tips. I got a PRIM for the county and it looks like that Margaret wouldn't be too far.

If anyone else has any other ideas I would love to hear them. Thanks again.

[Judge Smails]

JB- we've tried shore fishing McFarland from near the last bridge on the trail (the McFarland/ Lil John portage?) and we didn't seem to be able to reach anything other than about 5ft deep.

Is there a better spot to throw some casts?

[JBMasterAngler]

No, that's about the depth all through there. I've always just tried casting as far out from the docks as possible. Otherwise I've used leeches under a bobber (for the perch)...this is based on june, so things are probably a little different this time of year. Try kastmasters from the dock, they cast a mile and stay close to surface.

[Judge Smails]

Hunting went too well for there to be much time for fishing. Got a few birds, saw alot more, and shot halfway straight. Probably only another week before the woods are too crowded with orange or the woods are too cold for those walks to be very much fun.

Thanks for the help guys.