South Hegman

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in South Hegman Lake on August 6th, 2025. This was done to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 46.9 feet), the water temperature decreased to 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 10.5 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 23.9 feet at the time of sampling. This layer in the water column was 13.4 feet, indicating oxythermal habitat for Cisco was present. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 6.1 degrees C (43.0 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2024 also indicated suitable oxythermal habitat. When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

South Hegman Lake is located approximately 10 miles N of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. There are several small islands and the shoreline is primarily rocky with a thick coniferous forest present. Access is by a 80 rod portage from the Echo Trail (CR116). There are 3 designated USFS campsites located on the lake. South Hegman is a popular lake for visitors seeking a wilderness type experience without too much effort. It receives alot of use from visitors travelling through to view the pictographs on North Hegman. The 2014 population assessment included catches of northern pike and smallmouth bass. One large (25.6 inch) walleye was sampled. Yellow perch, cisco and white sucker were also sampled in relatively low abundance. Northern pike numbers in 2014 (1.5/gill net) were higher than the long term average (0.5/gill net) for all assessments on this lake. Pike sizes averaged a respectable 29.4 inches and the largest pike sampled was 37.4 inches long. Smallmouth bass numbers in 2014 (0.7/gill net) were similar to the long term average (0.6/gill net) for all assessments on this lake. The average smallmouth sampled was 10.9 inches long and about 4 to 5 years old. The largest smallmouth sampled was 15.3 inches long and 9 years old.

In the gillnet catch, white sucker were most abundant, followed by cisco, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike. Sucker and northern pike dominated the catch by weight. The single northern pike captured was very large - 22 pounds. Smallmouth bass up to 16 observed.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye in South Hegman. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

South Hegman has a maximum depth of 55 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in South Hegman is from 2014. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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