Eskwagama

Lake County

Near Silver Rapids

DOW: 38070700

Northern PikeGood · 63Black CrappieGood · 59Yellow PerchAverage · 36

A 88-acre lake near Silver Rapids in Lake County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 2015.

Fish Species (4)

Northern Pike

Good · 63

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

16.7"

Avg Weight

1.42 lbs

Catch rate: 4.0 per gill net · typical 3–9 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike29% keeper-size (24"+)

14–23" · 71%Largest sampled 28"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 20, 2015	4.00	16.7"	1.42 lbs	Standard gill nets

Black Crappie

Good · 59

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

13.0"

Avg Weight

1.53 lbs

Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 0.7–5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 20, 2015	0.33	13.0"	1.53 lbs	Standard gill nets

Yellow Perch

Average · 36

Typical numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

6.0"

Avg Weight

0.13 lbs

Catch rate: 6.0 per gill net · typical 3.3–18.3 for a lake like this

Size of catchable yellow perch6% keeper-size (9"+)

5–8" · 94%Largest sampled 9"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 20, 2015	6.00	6.0"	0.13 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Average · 42

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

17.4"

Avg Weight

2.90 lbs

Catch rate: 1.7 per gill net · typical 5.3–22.1 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 20, 2015	1.67	17.4"	2.90 lbs	Standard gill nets

Biologist Notes

July 20, 2015Eskwagama Lake is located approximately 6 miles SE of Ely in the BWCAW. This relatively shallow lake is surrounded by a hilly terrain with a mixed for…

Eskwagama Lake is located approximately 6 miles SE of Ely in the BWCAW. This relatively shallow lake is surrounded by a hilly terrain with a mixed forest of aspen, birch and assorted conifers. Water levels were high in 2015 because of a beaver dam at the outlet. There are portages from either the South Kawishiwi River (85 rods) or Clear Lake (100 rods) for public access. In 2015, the portage from the river was flooded at approximately the 30 rod mark and the survey crew paddled the remaining distance to access the lake. There is a spacious USFS campsite located on the E side of the lake. Northern pike numbers in 2015 (4.0/gill net) were slightly below average compared to other area lakes that are similar. The average pike sampled was 17.2 inches and the largest pike was 28.5 inches long. Yellow perch abundance in 2015 (6.0/gill net) was also slightly below average compared to other similar area lakes. The average perch sampled was 6.5 inches and the largest perch was 9.5 inches long. Five white sucker and one black crappie were also sampled in 2015. The crappie was 13.9 inches long and estimated to be at least 10 years old. The only other survey of Eskwagama Lake was in 1964 when northern pike and white sucker were sampled. Pike relative abundance was higher then (7.0/gill net), however the size structure was similar to 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Eskwagama?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch in Eskwagama. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Eskwagama?

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Eskwagama. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

How deep is Eskwagama?

Eskwagama has a maximum depth of 12 feet and a mean depth of 5 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Eskwagama last surveyed?

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