Shoal Lake

[AaronM]

Is there a reason why Shoal Lake has never been mapped? I've always wanted to try it open water but have never had the courage to risk my lower unit out on it. For the guys that have been there, how is the northern/bass fishing? Any information I could get would be great!

[MUSKY18]

Not sure why it hasn't ever been mapped. I have been out on it a few times with my buddies father, who had been fishing on LOTW since the early 70's. We didn't crash, which was lucky cause I don't know if he really knew where he was going. But, we pulled up on an island to eat lunch and were casting off the shore for smallies and caught them bout every cast! It was crazy.......that's about as much as we have ever done out there.

[Hemlock]

It is craxy fishing. Big bass, big whitefish, big walleyes, and huge reefs!

I too have been on it with buddies. One time, my buddy got off the throttle abruptly with his 225 Opti, and WHAM....

Not sure of why it isn't mapped, but it's not. Safer on a snowmobile...

[AaronM]

Thanks for the reply! I've always had a fascination with the lake, I've always wanted to head up there and fish it sometime but not exactly comfortable. Were the walleye you caught just casting for smallies? Is there ever talk of opening it back up for walleye? Thanks much for your replies on your side of the border discussions, your thoughts are much appreciated Hemlock!

[samwalleye]

I have fished Shoal for the last 10 years. I did ask the reps at navionics and lake master if they would ever consider mapping the lake. Thier reply was no, there rationale is the lake is restricted (catch and release, no live bait and no targeting of walleyes). With those restrictions there isn't enough people that will fish the lake to justify the investment. As it relates to the fishing, it is like any other lake, some good days and some average days. Cross my fingers, I have not had any lower unit issues.