Kawishiwi

Kawishiwi Lake is a 372-acre lake with dark colored water and a maximum depth of twelve feet that sits on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The access is located at the end of Forest Service 354 and consists of a gravel shoreline where multiple canoes can easily be launched. There is also a Forest Service rustic campground with five sites and a large parking area to accommodate numerous groups that use the area as a popular entry point into the wilderness. The Walleye catch rate of 9.56 per gill net was significantly higher than the last survey, but within the normal range for similar lakes in the area. The catch ranged from 7.6 to 26.2 inches long with an average size of about 15 inches long and 1.24 pounds. The population is maintained through natural reproduction, and the higher catch observed in 2024 was supported by a strong 2021-year class that accounted for 40% of the fish sampled. Survey results indicate the current population provides excellent opportunities to catch fish in the size range that anglers prefer to harvest. The Northern Pike catch rate of 1.78 per gill net was significantly lower than the last survey and below the normal range for similar lakes in the area. The size structure of the catch was narrow with pike ranging from just 17 to 23.5 inches long. Each year class from 2019 to 2022 was sampled which confirms successful natural reproduction in recent years. Although the current population may have lower abundance than normal, anglers should still have limited opportunities to catch and harvest pike. A couple of adult Smallmouth Bass were sampled in 2024, and the species appears to be maintaining a low-density population in the lake since a single young of the year fish was sampled in 2010. White Sucker and Yellow Perch are mainly forage species for the lake and do not provide much harvest opportunity for anglers. Gill net catches for both species were significantly lower than the last survey, but within the normal range for this type of lake.

Kawishiwi Lake is 372 acres, has a maximum depth of 12 feet, and is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Isabella, MN. The lake is entirely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the access is located at BWCAW entry point #37. The access is off USFS Rd. #354 and there is a large parking lot suitable for 20+ vehicles. There is a five site campground near the access and six remote campsites along the shore of the lake. A self-registration box and day-use permits are located at the access for day-trips and off-season camping. From May 1 through September 30, a quota system is in place for overnight camping in the BWCAW, requiring a reservation (fee) for travel from each entry point. The 2017 standard survey was conducted to monitor the status of the fish community in Kawishiwi Lake. Walleye catch was average relative to similar lakes in northeastern Minnesota. The average size was 15.0 inches and 1.1 pounds, with 62% of the catch over 15.0 inches long. Scale analysis indicated fairly consistent recruitment to the population with nine year classes identified. Walleye growth was average compared to other lakes in the Finland Area. The Northern Pike catch was average compared to similar lakes in the area. The average size was 17.3 inches (1.0 pounds) with only 7% of the catch over 22.0 inches long. There was one pike sampled which measured 29.8 inches and 5.1 pounds. Analysis of scale samples determined year classes are produced regularly and growth is average for Finland Area lakes. Yellow Perch were sampled in above average numbers relative to similar lakes in the area. The size of Yellow Perch averaged 9.0 inches and close to 0.4 pounds, with 26% of the catch over 10 inches in length. Nine Smallmouth Bass were caught in the gill nets. The average size was 14.4 inches and 1.6 pounds. This was the second consecutive survey that sampled Smallmouth Bass in Kawishiwi Lake. White Sucker were sampled in average numbers relative to similar lakes and size averaged 17.4 inches and 2.3 pounds. Rock Bass, Green Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Blacknose Shiner, Golden Shiner, and Tadpole Madtom were also sampled with the survey gear. Kawishiwi Lake is often the start of many BWCAW trips and the lake offers a quality fishery for "eater size" Walleyes. The Yellow Perch population may also be of interest to anglers on the lake. There may soon be a quality fishery for the newly established Smallmouth Bass population in the lake. Angling pressure on the lake is presumed to be moderate to high and all anglers and visitors to Kawishiwi Lake must abide by the BWCAW regulations at all times; the lake is entirely non-motorized.

Kawishiwi Lake is a 400 acre body of water located approximately 19 miles northeast of Isabella. Although on the very edge, Kawishiwi Lake is completely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The access is a gravel ramp to the water's edge, from the north end of USFS Rd. #354, watercraft and equipment must be carried into the lake as the water delineates the BWCAW boundary. Kawishiwi Lake is a major entry point into the BWCAW; the access area also has a large parking lot (20+ vehicles) and a 5 site campground. There are 6 remote campsites around Kawishiwi Lake. A self registration box and day-use permits are located at the access for day-trips and off-season camping. From May 1 through September 30 a quota system is in place for overnight camping in the BWCAW, requiring a reservation (fee) for travel from each entry point. All BWCAW regulations apply to Kawishiwi Lake; state-wide fishing regulations for inland waters apply to Kawishiwi Lake. The fish sample in 2010 consisted of northern pike, rock bass, walleye, white sucker and yellow perch. Walleye were sampled in average numbers for northeastern Minnesota lakes with similar characteristics. The size of walleye sampled was above average at slightly less than 1.6 pounds (16.2 inches); the largest walleye was 21.5 inches. Fifty-six percent of the total walleye catch in standard sampling gear was greater than 15 inches. Walleye numbers were about average for Kawishiwi Lake with the size above average, compared to catches in previous investigations, however, Walleye growth was slow when compared to walleyes sampled in other Finland area lakes. Northern pike were sampled in above average numbers for the lake class. The northern pike average size was 1.1 pounds (17.1inches); the largest northern pike was 23.4 inches. Historically, the northern pike catch has been average numbers of small fish. Northern pike growth was slow at all ages sampled, compared to northern pike sampled in other Finland area assessments. Yellow perch were sampled in average numbers for the lake class in the 2010 population assessment; although, the numbers were lower than historically seen in Kawishiwi Lake. The average yellow perch weight was about one-quarter pound (7.9 inches); 42% of the yellow perch sampled were greater than 8 inches, the largest nearly 12 inches. Historically, Kawishiwi Lake has maintained a good population of large yellow perch. Kawishiwi Lake is a popular entry point to the BWCAW and the current fish community structure, fish size and abundance should attract anglers to this lake. There are many camping options, but the access makes Kawishiwi Lake an easy day trip destination within the BWCAW.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Green Sunfish, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass in Kawishiwi. 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 Kawishiwi. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Kawishiwi has a maximum depth of 12 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Kawishiwi is from 2024.

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