Windy Lake

How big is Windy Lake?

How deep is Windy Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Windy Lake?

Are there boat launches on Windy Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Windy Lake?

Windy Lake is located 25 miles north and slightly east of Finland along Lake County Road 7 in the Superior National Forest. The public access consists of a concrete boat ramp with parking available for 5 or 6 vehicles, and a latrine. A standard survey using gill nets only was completed the week of July 28, 2020 to evaluate current management goals and provide data on which to base future management decisions. Walleye are the primary managed species with Northern Pike listed as a secondary managed species.

Walleye gill net catch of 12.5 per net was above average compared to similar lakes. The average weight and length of 0.6 pounds and 12.3 inches would be considered below average. The largest Walleye sampled was 21.3 inches and weighed 2.7 pounds. Consistent natural reproduction was documented with ten year classes identified and age-3 fish representing 39% of the catch. Results support previous surveys that indicate the lake supports a high density Walleye population with few fish exceeding 20 inches in length.

Northern Pike catch of 2.3 per gill net was below the normal range compared to similar lakes, but the average weight and length of 3.9 pounds and 24.3 inches is considered above average. Three fish longer than 30 inches were sampled, with the largest measuring 36 inches and weighing 12.7 pounds. Seven year classes were sampled with age-4 representing 39% of the catch indicating natural reproduction is sufficient to maintain the current population.

Black Crappie, another species popular with anglers, were first sampled in the lake during a targeted spring trap net survey in 2016. Although none were sampled in 2020 there may be opportunities for the species because there is a connection between neighboring lakes with existing populations. Future efforts are needed to document the population in Windy Lake.

Yellow Perch catch of 2.1 per net with an average weight of 0.14 pounds and length of 6.8 inches would all be considered average for similar lakes. The largest fish sampled was 8.2 inches and 0.23 pounds. Three year classes were sampled with age-4 representing 53% of the catch.

Lake Whitefish catch of 1.8 per net was below average, and the lowest catch recorded in ten previous surveys of the lake. The largest fish sampled was just 12.3 inches long and weighed 0.66 pounds.

Windy Lake is known locally as a good Walleye lake with an abundant population of fish that tend to be a bit on the small side. With the forage base of small Lake Whitefish present Windy Lake has the potential to produce some big Northern Pike.

What is the average air temp for Windy Lake?

Are there any state parks near Windy Lake?