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Minnesota · Fishing
Fall Lake Township sits in the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness region in northeastern Minnesota, and its fishing options reflect that setting: a mix of smaller inland lakes and moving water that rewards anglers who do a little homework before they launch.
8 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 8 spots
Fall Lake Township sits in the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness region in northeastern Minnesota, and its fishing options reflect that setting: a mix of smaller inland lakes and moving water that rewards anglers who do a little homework before they launch. The township has eight fishable waters on record, ranging from lake fishing on spots like Jenny Lake, Fantail Lake, Fishdance Lake, Humpback Lake, Cattyman Lake, and Uranus Lake to surf fishing along Fall Lake and the South Kawishiwi River. That spread means you have options whether you prefer sitting a calm shoreline or working a current seam. The lakes here tend to hold walleye, northern pike, and bass typical of northeastern Minnesota's shield-country waters, while the South Kawishiwi River offers a moving-water experience that suits anglers comfortable reading current and adjusting presentation accordingly. Access points and boat ramp availability vary by water body, so checking ahead with the Minnesota DNR before you load the truck is worth the ten minutes. Fishing pressure is generally lighter on the smaller named lakes than on Fall Lake itself, which sees more recreational traffic. If you're after a quieter outing, the smaller lakes in the township are a reasonable place to start.
Yes, a valid Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older fishing any of these waters. Licenses are available through the Minnesota DNR website or at local bait shops in the Ely area. If you're fishing waters that fall within the BWCAW boundary, check whether an entry permit is also required for your specific access point.
Northeastern Minnesota shield lakes like Jenny, Fantail, Fishdance, Humpback, Cattyman, and Uranus Lake typically hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish including bluegill and crappie. The South Kawishiwi River can also hold smallmouth bass and northern pike in its slower pools. Check the Minnesota DNR lake finder for survey data on specific waters before you go, since fish populations vary noticeably from lake to lake.
Fall Lake
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Fenske Lake Campground
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area - Seagull Lake
~44 min drive
Hard
South Kawishiwi River
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Birch Lake Campground
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Crescent Lake
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Bear Island Lake
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Cattyman Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Fishdance Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Arrow Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Diana Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on both Fall Lake and the South Kawishiwi River. Walleye in particular move shallower to feed during low-light periods. Midday fishing in summer can slow down significantly, especially on clearer water, so plan your day accordingly.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations across these lakes, whether you're throwing jigs for walleye, casting spinnerbaits for pike, or working a slip-bobber rig. For the South Kawishiwi River, a slightly lighter setup helps with casting accuracy in tighter spots along the bank. Bring a landing net and a basic tackle selection that covers jigs, live bait rigs, and a few topwater options for early morning.
Access varies and is not uniform across these lakes. Some smaller lakes in this part of Minnesota require a short portage or canoe carry to reach, while others have road-accessible landings. Before your trip, check the Minnesota DNR's lake finder or contact the Superior National Forest office for current access information on the specific lake you're targeting.
