Shoepack

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Shoepack Lake, which is located within Voyageurs National Park, was conducted on July 22 - July 24, 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, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 10 sampling stations. Similarly, a 1/8" mesh mini-fyke net was used to sample 10 stations. Finally, a 15-foot seine was used to sample six stations. Four stations were not seined due to deep water and soft sediments. Nearshore sampling captured ten species of fish, including Blacknose Shiner, Finescale Dace, 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. 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.

Shoepack is a dark water, musky lake located on the Kabetogama Peninsula in Voyageurs National Park with access limited to either a long, difficult portage or by float plane. Musky, white sucker and yellow perch are the primary fish species present. Musky numbers have increased from the 1970s and 1980s and were more than double the average for lakes like Shoepack. The majority of the muskies sampled in 1999 were ages 5 and 6. Average length was 26.0 inches although only one musky (30.1 inches) was legal harvest size (30.0 inches). White sucker and yellow perch were generally under 10 inches in length and at low to average numbers. The high musky population has kept these forage species well in check. Although lacking in trophy potential, the musky's fighting ability and the lake's scenic beauty make Shoepack Lake a desireable destination.

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

Shoepack has a maximum depth of 24 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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