Gunflint Lake

[bailey27]

I will be on Gunflint Lake for the opener. The only way I could get away was to plan a romantic weekend with the wife at the Gunflint Lodge. So, my buddy and his wife got a cabin and we figure that our romantic responsibilities won't start until noon every day. That gives us a solid 6 hours of fishing in the morning without the girls and hopefully another 3-4 at night with the girls. Here is the question, where the heck can I catch some Walleyes on Gunflint. I was there once before and slaughtered smallmouth where I thought I could find Walleyes. The river inlet looks like a good place to start but can it be accessed by boat? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Surface Tension]

Gunflint is a good Lake Trout lake and you'll be there during some of the best time to get them. If your after walleyes I'd concentrate on the east end around the islands or go into Little Gunflint. Theres always a section closed in the spring for fishing and it'll be marked. You'll also notice not many people fish during the day for eyes in that area.

[bailey27]

What do you mean closed for fishing? I did fish the islands late last summer and found a lot of smallmouth, I would figure the eyes would be there this time of year. I also remember some spots that might also be productive this time of year. How do I get into little Gunflint? I remeber one of the employees at the lodge telling me to take my boat up the river but I never found the mouth of the river. Will that take you to littlew Gunflint?

I imagine the trout fishing will be good. Where would you suggest I start? Should I troll the shorelines with raps or spoons? Are there specific spots that produce better than others? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mudcutter]

Read the other post on here about "Fishing Closures" for the info on closed areas on Gunflint Lake. Basically it's the area around moving water between Gunflint and Little Gunflint. Being that ice is probably not going to be off Gunflint for a few more days, I would think your best bet would be to concentrate on lakers, as fishing for those should be excellent. We are talking water temps of about 42-45F, perfect for lakers, tougher for eyes and smallies. Your idea of shad raps and spoons are a good choice, just don't troll under the fish. Another choice is my favorite, husky jerks , casted with a split shot if needed. Natural looking colors in those clear lakes like G-Flint. Stay with mono-- in clear water I think it helps catching those finicky fish.
Keep your line tight.

[lindyman]

most of the guides run up to north lake with their customers. You might want to give it a try.
good luck,
lindy

[engr693]

I have fished Gunny for about 30 years now. Always had hard time catching walleyes on Gunflint Lake. Usually portage (push the boat up the portage between L-Gunny and L-North) into North Lake for walleyes. Caught and released a 44-inch northern a few years ago in Little North. Take a look!

http://engr693.50megs.com/northlake2000.html

The portage is also shown in the photos.

Over the years have "netted" for my buddies 4 walleye in the 9-10 pound class. Still waiting to land my own.

Lake trout can be caught trolling the shorelines of Gunflint Lake with spoons or raps just a few feet under the surface in the spring. Smallies and northerns around the islands on the east end.

Regarding the closed portions...the waters will be closed between Little Gunflint and Little North at the rapids going into Little North. To get into Little Gunflint, go east as far as you can on Gunflint Lake until you get to the sandy beach. The river opening is on the southeast end of the beach. Sometimes tricky to get in if the water is low. Best to bring along some waders so you can get out of the boat and pull it into the river mouth. About 50 yard into the flowage, you will find that the beavers have dammed up a portion of it. But usually someone has opened it up some in order to get through. Just power into the opening and lift your motor to keep it out of the sticks and muck and you should coast right through.

Good Luck on Gunflint
Fish On!
The Fishin' Engineer

[Fishing Junky]

Very nice pictures engr693.

[Surface Tension]

For spring Lakers I like Little Cleo's, Krocs and Chippewa Guide Lures all tipped with a fathead chub. Trout will be as shallow as a few feet, this is a perfect time to use the planner boards like Off-Shore.