Fishing Trip-Elephant/Blackduck Question

I was up here last year with my dad, grandpa, uncle, cousins, and dad last year. I fished both of these lakes the first week in June and did fairly well. Now that I’m a senior in high school I’m interested in heading up with some friends for a week of fishing. My question is in the third week of June, what would be a better lake to stay on for walleyes, smallmouths, and panfish…I don’t think that we will be renting a cabin, we will probably be roughin it in the tent. If anyone has any information to help me out, let me know Thanks!!

I would fish them both

Great camping can be had on either lake. Find an island and set up camp.

Man there’s some huge crappies to be had from both of those lakes but Blackduck has really been the star the last couple years. And Blackduck has some great smallmouth too.

My personal best Smallie came out of Blackduck, 21″. She’s still out there waiting for you guys Never pass up a tree laying in the water. There’s a good chance you’ll find a Smallie or two lurking under there. They’re not all big but they’re all fun! Some of the smaller side bays on Blackduck warm up ahead of the main lake. It’s worth paying attention to that in the spring as you can find concentrations of fish in the warmer water.

Elephant has big Smallies, nice Crappies and also has some monster Bluegills. Look for the ‘gills in weird places, like way up in the lily pads. If you’re catching Perch, you’re in the wrong spot. For Smallies pay attention to places where you have a transition form weeds to rocks. There can be some big Smallies using that weed edge. I’ve had good luck on Elephant throwing white Spinnerbaits…and don’t be bashfull about the size of the bait either.

Wish I was going with you guys, I really like fishing those lakes. Good luck and be sure to let us know how you did

Rootski

Thanks for all of the information! Last year when we went up to elephant, we ran into some nice fish, but with the late spring last year, the water temps were only about 56. At least the smallmouths were on the beds It was a blast!!! Can you camp on the main island on elephant?? We saw people camping on blackduck….but no one was on elephant. Any help?

No, you cannot camp on Buzzard Island on Elephant. It’s private property/santuary.
The point on the north end in Browns bay and the two spots across the road near the old tressel are your only options for camping on Elephant.
Blackduck has the better camping spots. All the islands and a bunch on the mainland points.
My favorite is the smallest island on the sw end. It has room for one tent.
The island just to the right as you leave the launch is a great spot for 2 tents and or fishing parties. Nice sand boat beaching spot and excellent fishing right off the point.
We will be up there the last week in July. Been going up in that area for 22 years.
Both lakes have their good days.
Even better lakes near by if you have a 4wheeler and small boat and trailer.