What You'll Find at Back Lake

Back Lake sits in the remote north country near Pittsburg, accessible only by logging road or water, and holds a solid population of brook trout and landlocked salmon. The lake runs roughly 800 acres and stays relatively shallow across most of its basin, which means the fish stay active through the season rather than retreating to deep holes in midsummer. You'll see fewer anglers here than at the more famous waters closer to town, partly because the access road is rough and partly because the lake doesn't have the reputation of First Lake or Second Lake.

The water clarity is good most of the year, and the shoreline mixes rocky points, shallow bays, and some marshy coves where brook trout hunt in the shallows. Landlocked salmon here run smaller than you might find in other Pittsburg-area lakes—most fish in the 12- to 16-inch range—but they're willing and the fishing can be steady if you work the right structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Back Lake holds brook trout and landlocked salmon in a remote setting that requires a rough logging road or water access from Pittsburg.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent fishing, when trout and salmon move into shallower water and feed actively.
  • Rocky points and the transition zones between shallow bays and deeper water hold fish throughout the season.
  • A canoe or small motorboat is practical for covering the lake efficiently, though shore fishing works from several access points.

Getting There and What You Need to Know

The logging road to Back Lake is passable in a standard vehicle most of the year, but spring mud and winter snow can make it impassable without four-wheel drive. Call ahead to the Pittsburg town office or a local outfitter to confirm road conditions before you go. The road is gated at certain times, so check whether you need a permit or key to pass through.

Once you arrive, there's a small parking area and a boat launch. If you don't have a boat, you can fish from shore along the eastern bank, where a trail runs partway around the lake. The walk-in access is limited compared to the water, so a canoe or small motorboat opens up the whole lake. Bring a map or GPS—the lake is large enough that landmarks blur together if fog rolls in.

Spring Fishing: When the Lake Wakes Up

April through May is when Back Lake fishes best. The water temperature climbs from the low 40s into the 50s, and both brook trout and landlocked salmon move out of the deepest water and hunt in the shallows. Work the rocky points on the north and west shores with small spinners or spoons—a size 1 or 2 Mepps or Panther Martin will draw strikes. Cast parallel to the rocks rather than straight at them, and retrieve slowly enough that you feel the lure working.

Fly anglers do well with small streamers—black ghosts, Mickey Finns, or gray ghosts in sizes 6 to 8. Strip them slowly along the drop-offs where shallow bays meet deeper water. The marshy coves on the southern end hold brook trout in the early morning and late afternoon, and a small popper or dry fly can produce explosive strikes if you're there at the right time.

Summer: Deeper Water and Early Morning

By late June, the surface water warms and the fish move deeper during the day. Early morning and evening are your best windows—fish the shallows from first light until about 9 a.m., then switch to deeper structure or move to the marshy coves where shade and cooler water hold fish. A thermometer helps: if the surface is above 65 degrees, the fish have moved down.

Trolling works well in summer if you have a boat. Run small spoons or plugs along the drop-offs on the eastern and western shores, keeping your speed slow and your line tight. Depth finders aren't common on this lake, so learn to read the shoreline—steep banks usually mean deep water nearby, and gradual slopes suggest a long shallow shelf where fish hunt in the morning and evening.

Fall: The Second Peak Season

September and October bring another strong bite as water temperatures drop and fish move back into the shallows to feed heavily before winter. The same tactics that work in spring apply here—spinners and spoons on the rocky points, small streamers in the coves, and early morning sessions on the shallow bays. The light is lower in fall, which means fish stay active longer into the day, so you're not locked into a dawn-only window.

Landlocked salmon can be particularly aggressive in October as they prepare to spawn. They'll chase larger lures and flies than they will in summer, so don't be afraid to upsize your offerings. A size 2 or 3 spoon or a larger streamer (size 4 or 6) can produce bigger fish.

Winter Access and Ice Fishing

Back Lake freezes solid by December, and ice fishing is possible if you're equipped for it. The logging road can be impassable in heavy snow, so confirm conditions before you drive. Once on the ice, the shallow bays and the transition zones between deep and shallow water hold fish.

Jigging small spoons or live shiners through holes works, though the remote location means you should never fish alone and should carry a way to call for help if something goes wrong. The isolation that makes Back Lake attractive in summer becomes a real consideration in winter, so plan accordingly and tell someone where you're going.

What Gear to Bring

A light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) with 4- to 6-pound test works for both species. Bring a selection of small spoons (sizes 1 to 3), spinners, and a few small plugs. If you fly fish, a 5- or 6-weight rod with a floating line and a box of small streamers and dry flies covers most situations. Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish in the shallows, especially on calm mornings.

A canoe is ideal if you have one, but a small motorboat or even a float tube works. Bring a map, a compass or GPS, and a headlamp—the logging road is remote and you don't want to be finding your way out in the dark. A life jacket is not optional, and a first aid kit is smart given how far you are from town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Back Lake without a boat?

Yes, but your options are limited. The eastern shore has a trail that lets you walk and fish, and there are a few spots where you can reach the water from the parking area. A canoe or small motorboat opens up the whole lake and lets you reach the productive rocky points and coves that hold most of the fish.

What's the best time of year to fish Back Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable. Water temperatures are in the range where fish feed actively all day, not just at dawn and dusk. Summer fishing is possible but requires early mornings and evening sessions.

Do I need a guide to fish Back Lake?

No, but the remote location means you should be comfortable navigating on your own or with a friend. Bring a map, a compass, and a way to call for help. If you're unfamiliar with the lake, a local guide can save you time and show you the productive spots.

What size fish should I expect?

Brook trout typically run 10 to 14 inches, with some larger fish in the 15- to 18-inch range. Landlocked salmon average 12 to 16 inches. You won't find huge fish here, but the fishing is steady and the fish are willing.

Is the logging road passable year-round?

The road is usually passable in a standard vehicle from May through October, but spring mud and winter snow can make it rough or impassable. Call the Pittsburg town office or a local outfitter to confirm conditions before you drive.