Fishing- S. Kawishiwi R., Gabbro Lake, Bald Eagle

[moke]

Anyone one have some advice on fishing, things to see in this area, places to stay, and things to avoid?

I will be there in early september. I can't wait.

[Beavers]

I can give you some info on Gabbro and Bald Eagle. I'll check my notes when I get home from work tonight. Are you heading east from Bald Eagle or back out through Gabbro?

[moke]

We will be heading back through Gabbro to Entry Point 31 either through Clear Lake or North Kawishiwi River.

[Beavers]

I have been to this area twice Sept. 2004 and May 2005.

Both Gabbro and Bald Eagle are very good fishing lakes. I did not fish Gabbro so I can't help you there. Check out the rapids between Gabbro and Bald Eagle, the point right south of the portage to Gull as well as the point directly across the lake from that, also the island in front of the campsite on the southeast end of Bald Eagle.

The only sight to see in this area that I know of is the damage from the 1995 Gabbro forest fire. You will see it as you paddle from Little Gabbro to Gabbro. It is amazing how much growth there is in only ten years.

As far as campsites go I did not stay on Gabbro but both island sites looked nice from the water. If you like beaches there is a very nice site in the northwest bay of Bald Eagle with a large sand beach it has room for two or three tents plus ten more if you want to camp on the sand. The other site I stayed at is the one by the island on the southeast end of the lake. It has one nice spot for a tent plus one OK spot, a very nice fire pit and seating area plus a good tarp set area with log benches.

The only other thing to add is there is a portage from Gabbro to Bald Eagle although some maps don't show it. The portage is on the tip of the island bypassing the rapids. You will want to get an early start when crossing Bald Eagle the waves can be NASTY in the afternoon.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Beavers

[moke]

Thanks for the info. I have made notes based on your feedback and will probably have some additional feedback when I get back.

[jdevries]

I go to this area a LOT. Good fishing throughout, fish below the swift water at the rapids and you're bound to pick up a smallie. Some nice campsites along the way, some not so nice. Most portages are ok, but if you do a loop from the South K through Clear over to the North K you'll have the 160 Rods at the EP, a 180 from Clear to the North K, and then a 220 along the North K that is a real 'character builder'. There is a nice waterfall just off that portage that makes for a nice 1/2 way break though. When are you going? I've got a permit for that EP for July 10 and will be daytripping that area from Ely just after Labor Day.