Birch Lake - Babbitt, MN

[arrowheadhunter2]

My brothers and I are wanting to travel up to MN to do some fishing. We are mainly interested in Pike. Our trip will be the first week of June. Has anyone had any experience fishing Birch (Babbitt) this time of year? Would it be worth the trip (6 hours) as far as the fishing/scenery? We fished the Whitefish Chain last summer and caught a load of pike - nothing huge but it was still fun. Just wondering whether it would be worth it to try a different lake. Thanks for any input!

Derek

[JBMasterAngler]

I've heard good things about birch for early ice pike. And yes, the scenery is worth it! If your specifically targeting pike, birch isn't a bad choice, but there's a few other area lakes that hold some nice pike. Burntside Lake has some fat smelt gorged pike. White Iron/Farm/Fall lakes are all connected and have special pike regulations that support quality pike numbers. I'll be in that area Memorial weekend. The pike make for a good backup plan if the lake trout aren't biting.

[fishuhalik]

Vermillion is hard to beat. Lots of fish, lots of quality fish, and as good of a chance at a monster Muskie as anywhere else in the state

[monstermoose78]

If you are doing Birch you could get a day pass into the BWCA and hit Basswood for Pike and eyes.

[delcecchi]

If you are doing Birch you could get a day pass into the BWCA and hit Basswood for Pike and eyes.

A guy would need a motor permit and a boat with a 25 hp motor for basswood.