What Burntside Lake offers anglers

Burntside Lake sits about 20 miles northeast of Ely on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and it's one of the few lakes in that region where you can fish from a motorboat without a portage. The lake runs roughly 3 miles long and holds walleye, northern pike, and lake trout in water that ranges from shallow bays to depths over 100 feet. What makes Burntside distinct is that it straddles two worlds—you can fish it as a day trip from Ely with a standard outboard, or use it as a jumping-off point for a canoe expedition into the Boundary Waters if you want to explore quieter water.

The walleye bite here is strongest in spring (April through May) and again in fall (September through October), when the fish move into shallower structure. Summer fishing is possible but requires patience and a willingness to fish deeper—the lake thermally stratifies, and walleye retreat to cooler water. Pike are present year-round and will take both live bait and lures in the weedy bays along the north and west shores. Lake trout inhabit the deepest basins and are most accessible in spring and fall when they move shallower.

Key Takeaways

  • Burntside Lake allows motorboats and is accessible as a day trip from Ely, unlike most Boundary Waters lakes that require portaging.
  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring and fall; summer requires deeper presentations and more technical approach.
  • The north and west bays hold pike in shallow, weedy water and are productive year-round with live shiners or crankbaits.
  • A Minnesota fishing license is required; check current regulations for daily limits and size restrictions before you fish.
  • Public boat launch access is available at the Burntside Lake access site on Forest Road 429, about 20 miles from Ely.

Spring walleye fishing on Burntside

April and May are the prime months for walleye on Burntside. The fish spawn in shallow rocky areas and move into adjacent feeding zones as water temperatures climb. Focus on the rocky points and reefs that jut into the lake—particularly the structure on the south and east sides. Live shiners or fathead minnows under a slip bobber in 8 to 15 feet of water will produce steady action, especially in the hour before sunset and the first two hours after sunrise.

Jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers also work well in spring, particularly if you work them slowly along the breaklines where shallow bays drop into deeper water. The transition zones—where sand or gravel meets rock—concentrate fish. Work these areas methodically rather than covering a lot of ground. Spring water is still cold, and walleye are not aggressive; a slow presentation outfishes a fast one.

Summer and the deeper bite

By mid-June, surface water temperatures climb into the 70s, and walleye abandon the shallows. They move to the thermocline—the layer where temperature drops sharply—which on Burntside typically sits between 30 and 50 feet depending on the week. This is not a beginner's game. You need a quality fish finder to locate the thermocline and the fish suspended within it, and you need to present baits or lures at that exact depth.

Live bait presentations work better than lures in summer. Drop a live shiner on a slip sinker rig to the depth your finder shows, and hold it there. Vertical jigging with live bait also produces, though it requires patience and a steady hand. Many anglers skip summer walleye fishing on Burntside and focus instead on pike in the bays or take a canoe trip into the Boundary Waters where the fishing pressure is lighter and the water stays cooler.

Pike in the bays and weedy shallows

Northern pike are the most forgiving fish on Burntside and will bite throughout the year. The north and west bays hold the densest weed growth and the highest pike concentration. Fish these areas with live shiners (4 to 6 inches) under a bobber in 6 to 12 feet of water, or cast crankbaits and spinnerbaits along the weed edges. Pike are aggressive and territorial; they will chase a lure that mimics an injured baitfish.

Fall (September and October) is excellent for pike because the water cools and the fish become more active. Topwater lures work in early morning and late evening when pike hunt in the shallows. During midday, move to slightly deeper water (15 to 25 feet) where pike hold near weed beds and structure. A 20-pound pike is not uncommon on Burntside; 30-pounders are caught most years. Use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon to avoid bite-offs.

Lake trout and the deep structure

Lake trout inhabit the deepest basins on Burntside and are present year-round, but they are most accessible in spring and fall when they move into shallower water to feed. The deepest hole on the lake sits near the center, and that is where you will find trout in summer. In spring and fall, they move to the rocky reefs and points, particularly those on the south and east sides of the lake.

Lake trout respond to live bait and jigging. Drop a live shiner to 40 to 80 feet in spring and fall, or jig vertically with a spoon or jigging minnow. The bite is often subtle—a light tap rather than a hard strike—so pay close attention to your line and rod tip. Lake trout are a bonus fish on Burntside; most anglers target walleye or pike, but if you are willing to fish deep structure, trout will reward you.

Access and regulations

The Burntside Lake public access site is located on Forest Road 429, approximately 20 miles northeast of Ely. The road is gravel and passable year-round, though winter conditions can be rough. The access site has a boat launch, parking for vehicles with trailers, and a small parking area for walk-in anglers. There is no fee to launch, and the site is maintained by the Superior National Forest.

You will need a valid Minnesota fishing license to fish Burntside Lake. Regulations change year to year, so check the current Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fishing guide for daily limits, size restrictions, and any special rules for walleye, pike, or lake trout. Burntside is open to year-round fishing, including winter ice fishing, though ice conditions vary and should always be verified before heading out.

Boundary Waters access and portage alternatives

Burntside Lake is one of the few motorboat-accessible lakes on the edge of the Boundary Waters, which makes it a natural staging point for canoe trips into the wilderness. If you want to explore quieter water without a long portage, you can fish Burntside, then paddle into lakes like Knife, Otter Knife, or Quad Lake. These waters are less pressured and hold walleye and pike in similar densities to Burntside.

If you are planning a multi-day canoe trip, you can rent a canoe and gear in Ely and launch from Burntside. The portage trails from Burntside are well-maintained and marked. Overnight camping is available at designated campsites throughout the Boundary Waters; no permit is required to fish, but you do need a permit to camp (contact the Superior National Forest or check online for current permit procedures).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Burntside Lake in winter?

Yes, Burntside is open to ice fishing year-round. Ice typically forms by late November and remains solid through March, though you should always check current conditions before heading out. Walleye and pike bite through the ice; jigging with live minnows or spoons is the standard approach.

Do I need a boat to fish Burntside, or can I fish from shore?

You can fish from shore in some areas, particularly along the access site and in the bays on the north and west sides of the lake. However, a boat gives you access to deeper structure and more productive water. Many anglers use a small canoe or kayak to explore the bays without a motor.

What is the best time of year to fish Burntside?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the most productive seasons for walleye. Pike bite well year-round, with fall being particularly strong. Summer is slower for walleye but offers good pike fishing in the bays and is ideal for exploring the Boundary Waters by canoe.

How far is Burntside Lake from Ely?

Burntside Lake is approximately 20 miles northeast of Ely via Forest Road 429. The drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on road conditions. The access site is clearly marked and easy to find.

Are there other lakes near Burntside worth fishing?

Yes. Knife Lake, Otter Knife Lake, and Quad Lake are accessible by portage from Burntside and hold similar fish populations with less pressure. Shagawa Lake, near Ely, is another motorboat lake with walleye and pike. Each has its own character and seasonal patterns.