Locator

Locator Lake is a 133 acre lake with good water clarity and a maximum depth of 52 feet. Locator Lake is located approximately 16 miles ESE of International Falls on the Kabetogama peninsula in Voyageurs National Park. Access is limited to portage trails from Kabetogama or Rainy Lakes. Locator Lake can also be accessed in the winter via the Chain of Lakes snowmobile trail. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and exotic viruses, anglers are only allowed to use artificial baits. In addition, no privately-owned watercraft (boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.) or float planes are allowed on interior lakes such as Locator. A standard survey was completed in Locator Lake in mid-July of 2023. Locator Lake has no special regulations. Fishing regulations follow statewide regulations for inland water. Previous management plans identify several long-range goals, including providing a self-sustaining fish community with Northern Pike as the primary management species. Northern Pike gill net catch rate was 2.0 fish per net, which was below average for recent surveys. Total length ranged from 19.7 to 35.0 inches, with an average length of 26.5 inches. Average weight was 4.0 pounds and was above average compared to similar lakes. A total of four year-classes were present and ranged from 5-12 years, with the 2018 year-class representing 58% of the total sample. Although Northern Pike numbers are down from recent surveys, there are still good numbers of larger fish providing a good opportunity for anglers. Largemouth Bass gill net catch rate was 0.2 fish per net, which was below average compared to similar lakes. Largemouth Bass do not sample well in passive gears such as gill nets, so typically active gears such as angling are utilized. Largemouth Bass angling catch rate was 1.0 fish per hour, which was slightly below the catch rate from the 2010 survey. Total length ranged from 8.3 to 17.8 inches, with an average of 13.5 inches. Average weight was 1.6 pounds, which was higher than the average from the 2010 survey. A total of seven year-classes were present and ranged from 2-13 years. Growth rates are average compared to other area lakes, but there are good numbers of quality fish providing a unique opportunity for anglers. Cisco and Rock Bass are also present and provide quality forage for top predators in Locator Lake.

Locator Lake is located about 16 miles southeast of International Falls, Minnesota. Locator Lake is 140 acres and is connected to War Club Lake by a short narrows. Locator Lake is managed primarily for northern pike. Largemouth bass are also present in the lake. The largest bass captured during this investigation was 18.6 inches. Five year-classes were sampled and age ranged from 3-14 years, which provides a wide variety of sizes to anglers. Northern pike abundance was slightly above the normal range for this lake type. Recruitment was consistent and many year-classes were adequately represented, which provides a steady stream of northern pike for anglers year after year. Trophy-sized northern pike are present and a 38.6 inch fish was sampled during this investigation. Pumpkinseed, rock bass, and tullibee were also captured. Yellow perch were not captured during this investigation, but low numbers have been captured in the past.

Locator Lake is an undeveloped lake located in Voyageurs National Park. Access is limited to portages from Rainy or Kabetogama lakes, or by float plane. Northern pike and largemouth bass were the primary sport fish in 2000. Northern pike numbers and growth rate were above average. Additionally, many year-classes were present and should provide consistent fishing in the future. The number of largemouth bass appeared to be below average. However, age-4 largemouth bass were apparent when angling was used to collect fish. Cisco, sunfish, and yellow perch were also present, but small and not abundant. Locator Lake is attractive not only because of its fishing opportunities, but also offers solitude, scenic beauty, and access to other lakes.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Pumpkinseed in Locator. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Locator has a maximum depth of 52 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Locator is from 2023.

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