What to expect at Devils Track Lake
Devils Track Lake sits in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Minnesota's North Shore, roughly 90 minutes northeast of Grand Rapids. The lake holds walleye, northern pike, and lake trout in cold, deep water typical of the region. Access is by canoe only — there are no roads to the shoreline, and motors are prohibited throughout the Boundary Waters.
The lake spans about 1,200 acres across two main basins connected by a narrow channel. Depths reach 100 feet in places, which keeps the water cold enough for trout year-round. Most anglers fish walleye and pike in the shallower bays and along structure; trout fishing requires deeper techniques and heavier tackle. The lake sits at roughly 1,450 feet elevation and remains ice-covered from November through April.
This is a destination for people comfortable with backcountry travel and self-sufficiency. There are no lodges, outfitters, or services on the lake itself. You bring your own canoe, camp on designated sites, and carry all food and gear. The payoff is solitude and consistent fishing in a landscape that has changed little in decades.
Key Takeaways
- Devils Track Lake requires a Boundary Waters permit, which you reserve through Recreation.gov and costs $16 per person for a day trip or $8 per person per night for overnight trips.
- Walleye bite best in early morning and evening, especially in May through June and September through October, using live minnows or jigs along drop-offs in 15 to 30 feet of water.
- The nearest canoe access is from the Clearwater Lake trailhead, about 12 miles of paddling and portaging to reach Devils Track; the route crosses four smaller lakes and requires five portages.
- Minnesota fishing regulations allow two walleye per day (minimum 15 inches) and five northern pike per day (minimum 24 inches); lake trout have a one-fish daily limit at 18 inches minimum.
- The lake has no developed campsites with facilities — all camping is backcountry, and you must pack out everything you pack in, including all waste.
Getting there: Portage route and access points
The standard entry is the Clearwater Lake trailhead, located on Forest Road 308 about 40 miles northeast of Grand Rapids. From the parking area, you paddle Clearwater Lake, then portage into Rove Lake, then Moose Lake, then Ensign Lake, and finally Devils Track. The total distance is roughly 12 miles of paddling and 2.5 miles of portaging across five carries.
Portage distances are: Clearwater to Rove (80 rods), Rove to Moose (40 rods), Moose to Ensign (120 rods), and Ensign to Devils Track (80 rods). A rod is 16.5 feet, so the longest single carry is about a quarter-mile. The route is well-marked and maintained, but you need to be comfortable carrying a loaded canoe and pack over uneven terrain.
An alternative entry is from the Gunflint Trail area to the northeast, but that route is longer and less commonly used. Most outfitters and canoe rental shops in Grand Rapids or along the Gunflint Trail can provide shuttle service to Clearwater Lake and rent canoes if you do not have your own. Expect to pay $40 to $80 for a shuttle and $30 to $50 per day for canoe rental.
Walleye fishing: Seasons and techniques
Walleye are the primary target at Devils Track. The bite is strongest in May and June, when fish move into shallower water after spawning. Fish early morning and late evening, working jigs tipped with live minnows (shiners or chubs) in 15 to 30 feet of water along the drop-offs between the two main basins. Jigging vertically over structure produces more fish than casting.
Fall fishing, from mid-September through October, is nearly as good as spring. Water temperatures drop, walleye become more active throughout the day, and you can fish the same shallow structure with better results during midday hours. By November, the lake freezes and remains locked until April, when ice-out walleye fishing can be excellent for a brief window before the spring bite peaks.
Trolling with crankbaits works in summer when walleye retreat to deeper water, but it is less effective than jigging and requires more fuel and effort in a canoe. Stick with live bait and jigs for the most consistent results. Bring extra minnows — the cold water keeps them alive longer, but you will go through them faster than you expect.
Northern pike and lake trout
Northern pike are abundant in the shallower bays and weed edges, particularly around the inlet and outlet areas. Pike will take large minnows, spoons, and soft plastics; they are less selective than walleye and bite throughout the day. Spring and fall are best, but pike remain catchable all season. The minimum size is 24 inches, and the daily limit is five fish.
Lake trout require deeper fishing — typically 40 to 80 feet of water in summer. Vertical jigging with heavy spoons or live minnows works best, though it is more technical and tiring than walleye fishing. Trout bite best in spring (May and early June) and fall (September and October) when they move shallower. The daily limit is one fish at 18 inches minimum. Most anglers focus on walleye and pike and leave trout fishing to specialists.
Permits, regulations, and seasons
You must have a Boundary Waters permit to enter the area. Permits are reserved through Recreation.gov and cost $16 per person for a day trip or $8 per person per night for overnight stays. Permits are required year-round, though winter access is limited to ice fishing. Reservations open 90 days in advance, and popular dates fill quickly, especially in May, June, and September.
Minnesota fishing regulations require a valid state fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Walleye limit is two fish per day (minimum 15 inches), northern pike is five per day (minimum 24 inches), and lake trout is one per day (minimum 18 inches). Catch-and-release is allowed and encouraged if you want to fish longer than the limits allow.
The lake is open to fishing year-round, but practical access is limited to May through October for most anglers. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires specialized equipment and knowledge of ice safety. Spring (May and June) and fall (September and October) are the most reliable seasons for consistent walleye fishing.
What to bring and how to prepare
Pack a canoe-appropriate tackle box with jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), live minnows in a bucket with an aerator, spoons, and a few crankbaits. Bring extra line, hooks, and a small net. A fish finder is useful but not necessary — many anglers fish successfully without one. Bring a headlamp, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a rain jacket; weather on the North Shore changes quickly.
For overnight trips, bring a three-season tent, sleeping bag rated for 40°F or lower, and a camp stove. Water is safe to drink directly from the lake, but many anglers bring a water filter or boil water before drinking. Pack all food in bear-proof containers or hang it from a tree. Garbage, including fish scraps, must be packed out.
Arrive at the Clearwater trailhead early — parking fills on weekends and popular weeks. The drive from Grand Rapids takes about 90 minutes. If you are renting a canoe, confirm the rental shop's hours and shuttle schedule before you leave home. Most shops close by 5 p.m., and shuttles may not run daily in shoulder seasons.
When to fish: Seasonal patterns and weather
May and June offer the best overall fishing. Walleye are shallow and aggressive after spawning, pike are active, and weather is generally mild. Bugs are present but manageable. The downside is that popular entry dates fill quickly on Recreation.gov, sometimes weeks in advance.
July and August are warm and can be slow for walleye, which retreat to deeper water. Pike fishing remains good, and trout fishing improves as the lake stratifies. Bugs are heaviest in July. Fewer anglers fish in August, so permits are easier to find, but you will work harder for walleye.
September and October rival spring for walleye fishing. Water cools, fish become active throughout the day, and bugs disappear. Weather is less predictable — rain and wind are common — but the fishing is worth it. Permits are easier to find than in May and June.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Devils Track Lake on a day trip?
Yes, but it is a long day. The 12-mile paddle and 2.5-mile portage take 4 to 6 hours round-trip, leaving only 2 to 4 hours for fishing. Most anglers stay overnight to fish two full days. Day trips work if you are experienced with portaging and want to explore the route without committing to a full overnight.
What if I do not have a canoe?
Rent one from an outfitter in Grand Rapids or along the Gunflint Trail. Expect to pay $30 to $50 per day for a canoe and paddle. Many shops also offer shuttle service to Clearwater Lake for $40 to $80. Call ahead to confirm availability, especially for weekend trips or popular weeks in May and June.
Is the portage difficult?
The portages are moderate, not extreme. The longest single carry is about a quarter-mile over a well-maintained trail. If you are comfortable carrying a loaded canoe and pack, you can manage it. Outfitters can advise on fitness level and help you prepare. Many first-time Boundary Waters visitors complete this route successfully.
What is the best bait for walleye?
Live minnows — shiners or chubs — are most effective. Use 2 to 3-inch minnows on a jig head and fish vertically along drop-offs in 15 to 30 feet of water. Bring more minnows than you think you will need; the cold water keeps them alive longer, but you will go through them quickly.
Can I use a fish finder in the Boundary Waters?
Yes, fish finders are allowed. A portable battery-powered unit works well in a canoe and helps you locate structure and depth changes. Many anglers fish successfully without one by reading maps and learning the lake's contours, but a finder speeds up the learning curve and increases your catch rate.