I will be taking my family on a canoe trip around Labor Day to the Long Island Lake area entering through Missing Link Lake. In terms of our route we will certainly pass through Cross Bay Lake but won't make it as far as Cherokee Lake. My Dad is a fisherman and we haven't been to the BWCA together for a few years so I think it would be fun to spend a couple evenings or mornings fishing. I typically like to explore through the day or relax at camp rather than fish so I am hoping for some advice and pointers. We are not attempting to catch anything huge, rather just some nice walleye, trout, northern, or even bass to catch and maybe cook a meal or two from.

I know Long Island lake itself goes to 60-85 feet deep and seems sizeable enough to contain fish but from what I've heard it's not quite a hotspot. Lake Finder also lists no walleye in its fish species- can anyone confirm that? Moreover, are the fish still deep in early September? I assume fishing around structure in the morning or evenings should produce some fish but does anyone have more specific experience? Regardless I know it will be nice to spend the time with him :)

I'd day trip back to Cross Bay to fish....just sayin'

cowdoc: "I'd day trip back to Cross Bay to fish....just sayin' "

This, good Walleye and SMB.

As for Long Island, it’s a Lake Trout and Pike fishery. As are most of the lakes in the area. Although a group camped on the island this past June had a small mouth on their stringer. I caught plenty of pike to make dinner when I was there, trolling silver and black floating raps along weed lines. It’s a beautiful lake but not a fishing destination lake. Enjoy the trip with your dad.

Make a day trip to Frost Lake for great Lake Trout fishing and four star campsites.

We've been through and stayed on Long Island multiple times. It's fairly easy to get into and a nice scenic lake. It's almost exclusively a pike fishery. You can catch decent eater sized northerns without much trouble. Lake trout are few - we haven't really found them on Long Island through the years.

Cross Bay is a good walleye fishery. If it's trout you're after, move over to Frost.