Gadwell

Brook trout were abundant in Gadwall Lake in the fall 2015 survey and some large fish were present. This survey was done with two gill net sets which sampled a total of 24 brook trout ranging in length from 9.8 to 16.4 inches (average length was 13.5 inches). The catch of 12 brook trout per net was higher than the average of six per net seen in stream trout lakes in this area. All fish were two years of age, from the fall 2013 stocking. Growth was good with sampled fish exceeding the area average for brook trout at age two by almost an inch. Possible forage fish were observed in the form of large schools of dace along the shoreline and a few brook trout regurgitated brook stickleback when handled. Brook trout were the only fish species sampled in the survey gillnets. Gadwall Lake is a small designated stream trout located in the BWCA on a non-motor route. Access is via a moderate-length but rugged portage trail from the south shore of Pine Lake. The field crew noted shore fishing opportunities provided by some foot paths around at least part of the lake, presumably made by anglers fishing from shore who chose not to carry their watercraft over the portage. Caution should be used when crossing Pine Lake to access this lake as even a moderate West (or East) wind can produce large waves and dangerous conditions for canoeing on that lake.

Brook trout were abundant in Gadwall Lake in the fall of 2006, and they were exceptionally large. However, most of the fish taken were four years old, and few will survive beyond the winter of 2006-2007. Numbers of younger fish available to replace them did not appear to have been high. Anglers fishing Gadwall lake in 2007 and 2008 are likely to see fewer, and smaller, fish than results of the 2006 assessment would indicate.

Gadwall Lake is a fairly remote stream trout lake that is in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Access is limited by permitted entry and non-motorized use in the BWCAW. The portage trail to Gadwall Lake is rugged, but well used, so the lake apparently receives moderate fishing pressure.High catches of brook trout are the historic norm during assessments of this lake, except in 1986. The average weight and ages of captured brook trout have varied widely during assessments. Perhaps changing to an annual stocking regime will decrease this variation.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Brook Trout in Gadwell. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Gadwell. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Gadwell has a maximum depth of 52 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Gadwell is from 2015. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Gadwell in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.