Fishing Kabetogama Lake
AKA: Lake Kabetogama
Popular Fish Species Kabetogama Lake, MN

Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Kabetogama Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Walleye Fishing
Kabetogama Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Kabetogama Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, sauger, bluegill, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Kabetogama Lake in Minnesota.
Kabetogama Lake Fishing Video
Walleye are the big prize at Kabetogama Lake, a 25,700-acre lake on the northern border of the state, at Kabetogama. This maze of lake and islands has over 100 miles of mostly rocky shoreline.
Nestled within the scenic beauty of Voyageurs National Park, Kabetogama Lake is a premier fishing destination in Minnesota. This pristine lake offers anglers an abundance of fish species and stunning natural surroundings for an unforgettable fishing experience.
Smallmouth bass is one of the most sought-after fish species in Kabetogama Lake. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching these hard-fighting and acrobatic fish amidst the lake's rocky shorelines and submerged structure. Whether you're casting with artificial lures or using live bait, Kabetogama Lake offers excellent opportunities to land trophy-sized smallmouth bass.
Walleye fishing in Kabetogama Lake is another highlight for anglers. Known for their delicious flavor and challenging nature, walleye can be found in various parts of the lake. Anglers can target walleye near rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges using techniques such as trolling, jigging, or live bait rigging. The lake's diverse habitats and clear waters make it an ideal walleye fishing destination.
Yellow perch are abundant in Kabetogama Lake and offer fantastic angling opportunities. These schooling fish can be found near weed beds, rocky structures, or deeper areas of the lake. Anglers can catch yellow perch using small jigs tipped with live bait or by employing finesse techniques. These tasty fish provide steady action and make for a delicious meal.
Kabetogama Lake is also home to bluegill and black crappie, two popular panfish species. Anglers can target these species near submerged vegetation, brush piles, or along the lake's edges. Whether you're fishing from a boat or casting from shore, bluegill and crappie fishing in Kabetogama Lake is sure to keep you entertained.
Sauger, a close relative of walleye, can also be found in Kabetogama Lake. Anglers can target sauger using similar techniques and habitats as walleye, particularly in areas with current or deeper water. These fish provide an additional angling opportunity for those seeking a walleye-like experience.
Northern pike, with their aggressive strikes and impressive size, add an extra element of excitement to fishing in Kabetogama Lake. Anglers can target these toothy predators by casting with large spoons, spinnerbaits, or using live bait near weed beds or other areas of cover. Kabetogama Lake offers ample space for anglers to explore and pursue trophy-sized northern pike.
With its diverse fish species, breathtaking scenery, and recreational amenities, Kabetogama Lake offers an exceptional fishing experience in the heart of Minnesota's wilderness. Whether you're targeting smallmouth bass, walleye, perch, panfish, sauger, or pike, this section of Minnesota is a must-visit destination for anglers seeking both thrilling fishing action and a tranquil outdoor getaway.
Anglers can expect to catch bass, crappie, walleye, sauger, sunfish, perch and northern pike. There is plenty of areas for fishing from the bank, anywhere road access allows. Rental boats are available at the lake. Boat launch ramps are located at Ash River Public Water Access, Wooden Frog Campground, Mahaffey's Moosehorn Resort, and Lake Kabetogama Visitor Center. Ice fishing for perch and walleye is popular in winter.
Primary fish species residing in Kabetogama Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Kabetogama Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating and camping are popular activities on Kabetogama Lake, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the area. Boaters can enjoy cruising the lake's scenic waters, while camping facilities along the shoreline provide opportunities for overnight stays and extended fishing trips.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Arrowhead Lodge
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
218 875-2141
Grandview of Lake Kabetogama
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 875-2171
Herseths Tomahawk Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and canoes
218 875-2352
Northern Lights Resort & Outfitting
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 875-2591
Pine Aire Resort
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats
218 875-2161
The Pines of Kabetogama Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
218 875-2000
Voyageur Park Lodge
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 235-0240
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Ash River Visitor Center Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Mead Wood Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Kabetogama Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Gappa Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Wooden Frog Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 122, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Kabetogama Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Minnesota Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Wooden Frog Campground - 218 235-2520
Pine Aire Resort and Campground - 218 875-2161
Kabetogama Lake MN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Kabetogama Lake
Lake Kabetogama Visitor Center
9940 Cedar Ln
Kabetogama, MN 56669
218 875-2111
Fishing lakes in each state.
091624*
Kabetogama Lake in MN
MINNESOTA


Fishing for walleye and yellow perch in northern MN.