grand marais Grand Marais

[Irish58]

Going up to Grand Marais on Friday for a 6 day trip. Usually fish the big lake for trout and salmon if the weather permits and inland for eyes and smallies. Any pointers would be great. First post. Thanks for any tips.

[JBMasterAngler]

Which inland lakes are you considering? Two Island and Devil Track lakes are closest to town and have good numbers of walleyes and bass. Take it slow and cautious on two island though, rock bars and sunken islands everywhere! Bass should be coming into the shallows by now, so fishing should be pretty easy. I like to use powergrubs...cream, watermelon, or pumpkinseed colors. topwater baits are fun too. 

 

I'll be coming up on Monday, and staying at hungry jack lake. Hungry Jack is a good bass lake, and lot's of sunnies too. Walleyes are usually quality over quantity here though. West Bearskin is also a good option. Good numbers of lake trout and a growing population of fat pike. Walleyes are usually pretty shallow this time of year (6 to 12 ft), and the leech bite is starting to get going. However, you'll be picking off a lot of smallies with leeches as well.

 

Is this your 1st time going up there?

[monstermoose78]

As JB stated Devils Track and Two Island are good choices. Be careful on Two Island it is lake that likes lower units. Other Options that have been giving up good numbers of walleyes for my family members are Devilfish and Tom Lakes.  West and East Twin lakes are good walleye lakes as. Other lakes that are note worthy are Pike and Northern Light Lakes for Smallies and walleyes. 

My uncle has not got out on Lake Superior yet, so I do not know what is going out there. I do know they have picked a few Lakers from shore near the rivers. 

For walleyes I use jigs most of the time or bobber rigs with a jig and leech or minnow. JB covered the baits for smallies really well. As for depths the smallies will be in shallow more than likely 2-12 feet and walleyes 4-12 depending on the cloud cover and water clarity. Bring lots of jigs and extra bobbers, because you will loose some to snags. 

If you have your family going with you a great place to check out is High Falls near Grand Portage. It is an easy walk and highway 61 from Grand Marais to the Border is amazing. 

Thank you for making your first post Irish58! Hope you have a great trip on the North Shore.

[Irish58]

Thanks JB and monstermoose, I make at least 1 trip a year to GM so I have explored some of the lakes fairly well. Found out about Two Islands dead heads the hard way. Will probably hit Pike, Two Island,  and Superior see what I can find and go from there.        Thanks again for the tips, I,ll post when I get back.