Lake Despair, Footprint and Jackfish Lake Chain

[Sy]

I am heading up to the Lake Despair, Footprint and Jackfish Lake system over the July 4th weekend. They are located 30 miles Northwest of Fort Frances, Ontario. We are staying at a cabin on Jackfish Lake so we will be spending most of our time there.

We have been up there once last year in the fall but did not get much fishing time. Does anyone know if there are any good lake maps for Jackfish Lake? Also, does anyone have any tips? I will mostly be fishing for walleyes. When we fished before we stuck to obvious points or Islands but was wondering if there is much structure in the lake. Also, is it best to lindy rig, spinners, cranks, etc. and what depth would you expect to find fish in early in July.

Lastly, I would not mind getting into some smallies or big Northerns. Is there good fishing for those as well?

Thanks for any help!

[ratmn218]

is jackfish the lake where you have to run the rapids through the rock walls?

[Sy]

You do need to go through an opening between rock walls that is just barely wide enough for a boat. I don't remember there being rapids or anything when I was there but I have only been up there once.

[walleyes29]

I was just going to post about these lakes! I fish a smallmouth tournament at Lake Depair lodge on July 9th and was wondering if the smallies are done spawning yet?

I don't know where you could get a contour map of Jackfish although they do have them on the new premium chips for lowrance gps! My boss also owns a cabin on Jackfish! I did hit those rocks in the pull through that you were talking about! The water is high right now so i think we should be fine!

[Sy]

I saw on the Lake Despair Lodge HSOforum there was a tourney going on up there in a couple weeks.

What chip are you talking about? The Navionics chip? I have the LakeMaster for MN one but not sure which one would have the Canada stuff.

I still have not been able to track down a map for Jackfish. I am spoiled by all the maps I can find for MN lakes. Do you know if there is a lot of structure in Jackfish or is mostly fishing points and shoreline drops? I would like to find some midlake structure. The boat that is up there does not have a depth finder that works when the boat is going more than trolling speed so it is tough to just cruise and look for the structure. I was hoping to at least have something to start with.

Good luck in the tourney and I will let you know if we happen to run into any smallies this weekend.

[walleyes29]

I would stop at the lake despair lodge and ask Bill for a map of Jackfish! I know of one spot to catch walleyes on the lake its called "Miami Beach". let me know how you do on smallies, that would be great!

I am using the same chip that has rainy on it, not sure if navionics or lakemaster!