Kawishiwi Lake

How big is Kawishiwi Lake?

How deep is Kawishiwi Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Kawishiwi Lake?

Are there boat launches on Kawishiwi Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Kawishiwi Lake?

Kawishiwi Lake is 372 acres, has a maximum depth of 12 feet, and is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Isabella, MN. The lake is entirely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the access is located at BWCAW entry point #37. The access is off USFS Rd. #354 and there is a large parking lot suitable for 20+ vehicles. There is a five site campground near the access and six remote campsites along the shore of the lake. A self-registration box and day-use permits are located at the access for day-trips and off-season camping. From May 1 through September 30, a quota system is in place for overnight camping in the BWCAW, requiring a reservation (fee) for travel from each entry point.

The 2017 standard survey was conducted to monitor the status of the fish community in Kawishiwi Lake. Walleye catch was average relative to similar lakes in northeastern Minnesota. The average size was 15.0 inches and 1.1 pounds, with 62% of the catch over 15.0 inches long. Scale analysis indicated fairly consistent recruitment to the population with nine year classes identified. Walleye growth was average compared to other lakes in the Finland Area.

The Northern Pike catch was average compared to similar lakes in the area. The average size was 17.3 inches (1.0 pounds) with only 7% of the catch over 22.0 inches long. There was one pike sampled which measured 29.8 inches and 5.1 pounds. Analysis of scale samples determined year classes are produced regularly and growth is average for Finland Area lakes.

Yellow Perch were sampled in above average numbers relative to similar lakes in the area. The size of Yellow Perch averaged 9.0 inches and close to 0.4 pounds, with 26% of the catch over 10 inches in length.

Nine Smallmouth Bass were caught in the gill nets. The average size was 14.4 inches and 1.6 pounds. This was the second consecutive survey that sampled Smallmouth Bass in Kawishiwi Lake.

White Sucker were sampled in average numbers relative to similar lakes and size averaged 17.4 inches and 2.3 pounds. Rock Bass, Green Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Blacknose Shiner, Golden Shiner, and Tadpole Madtom were also sampled with the survey gear.

Kawishiwi Lake is often the start of many BWCAW trips and the lake offers a quality fishery for "eater size" Walleyes. The Yellow Perch population may also be of interest to anglers on the lake. There may soon be a quality fishery for the newly established Smallmouth Bass population in the lake. Angling pressure on the lake is presumed to be moderate to high and all anglers and visitors to Kawishiwi Lake must abide by the BWCAW regulations at all times; the lake is entirely non-motorized.

What is the average air temp for Kawishiwi Lake?

Are there any state parks near Kawishiwi Lake?