Douglas County isn’t known for its amazing smallmouth bass lakes, but there are plenty of lakes in the area where you can target smallmouth bass and expect to catch some. On most of these lakes, smallmouth bass will be the secondary species of fish, but if you know how to target them, you can expect to catch some quality smallmouth bass in the area. For most anglers, they are a nice bonus fish that adds to the daily excitement of catching walleye, several different species of panfish, northern pike and largemouth bass. There are some good options for smallmouth bass fishing in the area rivers and streams though, so if you’re up for a little exploring, you might want to take a closer look at these waters here.
Rivers & Streams
Saint Louis River
The Saint Louis River is a huge tributary of Lake Superior. The river is located on the border between Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. The river extends about 18 miles from the Thompson Dam to the Superior, Wisconsin entrance of Lake Superior. The river passes through the scenic rock cliffs of Jay Cooke State Park, which is a popular and very scenic area that is known for its outdoor recreation.
Unlike many of the tributaries around the lake, the Saint Louis River provides a good fishery for plenty of warm water species of fish. Most of the other tributaries will provide a good fishery of spawning run fish such as chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead and brown trout. On the Saint Louis River, anglers target walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappie, perch, rock bass, sunfish carp, catfish and more.
Larger Lakes
Minong Flowage
Minong Flowage is a 1,587 acre lake located in Douglas, Washburn Counties. It has a maximum depth of 21 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from several public boat landings. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, walleye are abundant in the lake while northern pike and panfish are considered common. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.
Lake Nebagamon
Lake Nebagamon is a 986 acre lake located in Douglas County. It has a maximum depth of 56 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, northern pike and panfish are common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.
Whitefish Lake
Whitefish Lake is a 848 acre lake located in Douglas County. It has a maximum depth of 102 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, trout are common in the lake while all other species of fish are listed as present.
Upper Saint Croix Lake
Upper Saint Croix Lake is a 828 acre lake located in Douglas County. It has a maximum depth of 22 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from several public boat landings. There is also a public beach on the lake. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and trout. According to the DNR, northern pike and walleye are common in the lake while largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and trout are listed as present.
Lower Eau Claire Lake
Lower Eau Claire Lake is a 784 acre lake located in Douglas, Bayfield Counties. It has a maximum depth of 41 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, northern pike, walleye and panfish are common in the lake while largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and muskie are listed as present.
Smaller Lakes
Bond Lake
Bond Lake is a 279 acre lake located in Douglas County. It has a maximum depth of 67 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass are common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a 291 acre lake located in Douglas County. It has a maximum depth of 22 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, northern pike and panfish are common in the lake while largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye are listed as present.
Lake Minnesuing
Lake Minnesuing is a 450 acre lake located in Douglas County. It has a maximum depth of 43 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from several public boat landings. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, northern pike and panfish are common in the lake while largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and walleye are listed as present.
Red Lake
Red Lake is a 253 acre lake located in Douglas County. It has a maximum depth of 37 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, northern pike and panfish are common in the lake while smallmouth bass and northern pike are listed as present.