What Burntside Lake offers and when to fish it

Burntside Lake sits in the Arrowhead region of northeastern Minnesota, about 15 miles northeast of Tower, and it is one of the cleaner, deeper walleye lakes in the area. The lake runs roughly 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, with depths reaching 130 feet in the basin. That depth and the rocky shoreline make it a different kind of Superior-country fishery than the shallower, weedy lakes nearby—you are working structure and suspended fish rather than weed edges.

Walleye are the main draw here, and they respond well to live bait and jigging from May through September. Pike run large and aggressive, especially in spring and early summer. The lake also holds smallmouth bass and some lake trout in the deeper holes, though most anglers come for walleye. Summer can be crowded on weekends, but weekday mornings and the shoulder seasons (May and September) offer quieter water and reliable fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • Burntside is a deep, rocky lake best fished with live bait (shiners, crawlers) or jigs rather than crankbaits or spinners.
  • The main walleye bite happens in early morning and evening from May through July, with a secondary fall bite in September.
  • Pike fishing peaks in spring and early summer; look for them in the shallower bays and along the rocky points.
  • A Minnesota fishing license is required; the lake is open year-round but ice-out typically occurs in late April.
  • Public access is available at the Burntside Lake public landing on the south shore, with parking and a boat ramp.

The rocky structure and depth zones

What makes Burntside different from many Arrowhead lakes is the bedrock and boulder field that runs along much of the shoreline and extends into deeper water. The south shore, especially near the public landing, drops quickly into 20 to 40 feet of water with scattered rocks and small reefs. The north shore is steeper and rockier, with some of the deepest holes on the lake sitting just offshore.

Walleye use these rocky areas as feeding zones, especially during low-light periods. Early morning, you will find them in 15 to 30 feet of water along the rocky breaks. As the sun climbs, they move deeper or tuck into the shade of the rocks. The basin in the center of the lake holds suspended walleye during midday, and these fish respond to vertical jigging with live shiners or crawlers. Pike tend to stay shallower, in the 8 to 20-foot zone, and they hunt the rocky points where baitfish congregate.

Spring and early summer fishing

Ice-out on Burntside usually happens in late April, and the first two weeks after the lake clears are prime time for both walleye and pike. Water temperatures are cold—in the high 30s to low 40s—and fish are aggressive and predictable. Pike move into the shallow bays to spawn, and you can catch them on large shiners or sucker minnows fished near the shoreline in 6 to 12 feet of water.

Walleye begin their post-spawn feed immediately after ice-out. Focus on the rocky points and the transition zones where shallow water meets deeper structure. Live shiners or crawlers on a jig head work well; cast along the rocks and work the bait slowly. The bite is best from sunrise to mid-morning, then again in the evening. By late May, as water temperatures climb into the 50s, the walleye bite becomes more consistent throughout the day, though early morning and evening remain the most productive times.

Summer patterns and midday fishing

By mid-June, water temperatures on Burntside reach the upper 60s, and walleye move deeper to find cooler water and avoid bright sunlight. The rocky structure becomes less productive during midday, and you need to shift to vertical jigging in the deeper basins. Drop a 1/4-ounce or 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a live shiner or crawler straight down in 40 to 80 feet of water, and work it slowly with small hops.

Early morning and evening remain the best times to fish the shallower structure. If you are on the water at first light, work the rocky points and the 15 to 30-foot zone with live bait or small crankbaits. The bite often turns off by 9 or 10 a.m., and you can either move to deeper water or leave the lake and return in the evening. Pike fishing slows considerably in midsummer as water temperatures climb, but you can still find them in the deeper bays and along the north shore where there is more shade.

Fall fishing and September walleye

September is one of the best months to fish Burntside. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s, walleye move shallower again, and the bite becomes consistent from sunrise through mid-morning. The rocky structure that was productive in spring comes back into play, and you can catch fish on live bait or small jigs without having to work the deep basin.

Pike also become more active in fall, and the combination of cooler water and shorter days makes them feed more aggressively. Larger shiners and sucker minnows work well, and you can fish them along the rocky shoreline or in the shallower bays. By late September, as water temperatures drop into the 50s, the bite can be excellent for a few weeks before the lake begins to freeze.

Access, regulations, and what to bring

Burntside Lake has a public landing on the south shore, accessible from County Road 2 near Tower. The landing has a paved ramp, parking for vehicles with trailers, and a small dock. There is no resort or rental facility directly on the lake, but Tower and the surrounding area have motels, cabins, and campgrounds within 15 to 20 minutes of the landing.

A current Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Walleye and pike have standard state regulations: walleye have a daily limit of four fish (one over 20 inches), and pike have a limit of three fish (one over 40 inches). Check the current Minnesota Fishing Handbook before you go, as regulations can change. The lake is open year-round, but most fishing happens from May through September; winter ice fishing is possible but less common than on other Arrowhead lakes.

Bring live bait—shiners and crawlers are the most reliable—or plan to catch your own. A depth finder is useful for locating the rocky structure and the deeper basins. The wind can pick up quickly on Burntside, especially in the afternoon, so pay attention to the forecast and stay close to shore if you are in a small boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for walleye on Burntside?

Live shiners and nightcrawlers work best. Fish them on a jig head in 15 to 40 feet of water, depending on the time of day and season. In spring and fall, work the shallower rocky structure; in summer, move to the deeper basin during midday.

Can you catch pike on Burntside?

Yes. Pike are abundant and often run 24 to 32 inches. They are most active in spring and early summer, and again in fall. Fish larger shiners or sucker minnows in 8 to 20 feet of water along the rocky points and in the shallower bays.

Is there a resort or cabin rental on Burntside?

No resort sits directly on the lake. The public landing is your access point. Tower, about 15 minutes away, has motels, cabins, and campgrounds. The Arrowhead region also has numerous resorts on nearby lakes if you want lodging with amenities.

What months have the best fishing?

May through June and September are the most consistent. Early May (just after ice-out) and late September offer excellent fishing for both walleye and pike. July and August can be good, but you need to fish early morning or move to deeper water during midday.

Do I need a boat to fish Burntside?

A boat is helpful for reaching the best structure and deeper water, but you can fish from shore near the public landing. The rocky shoreline holds fish, especially in spring and fall, though you will have more options and better success with a small boat or canoe.