Boot

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Little Shoepack Lake, which is located within Voyageurs National Park, was conducted on July 21- July 22, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment (LBMA) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing, mini-fyke nets, and seining with a 15-foot seine. Nearshore sampling captured nine species of fish, including Blacknose Shiner, Muskellunge, and Northern Pearl Dace. The nearshore data along with gill net and standard trap net data will be used to develop fish community models for Northeast Minnesota lakes, which will be used to measure lake health. These models may function similarly to fish IBI models developed for lakes across much of the rest of the state. For additional information, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Little Shoepack Lake, located within Voyageurs National Park, can be protected by visitors using designated access points, avoiding disturbance of shoreline vegetation, and cleaning, draining, and drying gear to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Little Shoepack is a small, slightly colored lake located on the Kabetogama Peninsula in Voyageurs National Park. Access is limited to portage trails from Kabetogama or Shoepack Lakes. The Park keeps a locked canoe at the lake for non-motorized use. Musky are the dominate species of fish. A population assessment was conducted in 1999. Above average numbers of muskies were sampled, however, with an average length of 25.5 inches and a range from 21.1 to 29.9 inches, no fish were legal for harvest. Two forage species, white sucker and yellow perch, were also sampled at low numbers and small size. The remote, scenic beauty of the lake and fighting ability of the musky, even though not legal for harvest, make Little Shoepack Lake an enjoyable trip.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Muskellunge and Yellow Perch in Boot. 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 Boot. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Boot has a maximum depth of 25 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Boot is from 1999. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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