Birch Lake Smallies

[JBMasterAngler]

Is there a fishable population of smallmouths on birch lake (babbitt/ely)? I'll be camping at the south kawishiwi campgrounds this weekend, with it being a stone's throw away, might be pretty tempting to take the boat out. I've only fished there from shore, and have only caught smallies below the dam. The DNR lake finder didn't have any mention of smallies either, so just wondering if there are any in there?

[fins_n'_feathers]

We fish birch many times throughout they year and I think I've seen one smallie caught. Not saying they aren't in there as we mainly target walleyes and crappies but there must not be a large population of them, that I've found anyways. Will be up Memorial Day weekend with a big group staying on the babbitt end. Good luck out there!

[monstermoose78]

JB there is smallies in Birch look for current areas.  The dam on highway always has some hagging around on the Birtch lake side. Also the river side is good walleye spot in the eddies. You will loose many jigs and twister tails but I have pulled some great fish out of there. I have also caught smallies near the bridge by the camp ground. 

The smallies might not be super active with the cold water, but I am sure a live bait rig would get them to bite. The points on wind blown sides should be holding fish. I have seen some big smallies come from Birch Lake. Don't rule out Crappies.  They are in Birch and well you might get trophy sized one. 

[JBMasterAngler]

I'll for sure be doing some shore casting. Caught several pike from shore last year. Water was super high then, below the dam it was really roaring through, flooding the shoreline and everything. I'm guessing things are normal to low up there now?