Fishing Beaufort Lake

Beaufort Lake offers reliable Walleye fishing with a naturally reproducing population, though anglers report many fish under the 15-inch legal limit. The 2023 survey found 60% of Walleye met legal size in spring surveys, dropping to 36% in summer and 23% in fall recruitment surveys. Walleye growth is poor at 2.5 inches below state average, particularly for fish over 5 years old, likely due to limited forage. The lake holds 1.6 adult Walleye per acre with 11 age classes present. Rock Bass absolutely dominate this fishery, comprising 60% of all fish caught and 43% of total biomass, with CPUE increasing 51% since 1997. Northern Pike provide another predator option at moderate density (0.6 per acre) with 22% meeting the 24-inch minimum, though growth slows dramatically after age 4. The lake's irregular shoreline with five islands and mix of boulders, cobble, gravel, sand, and peat bottom provides varied structure. Fall turnover occurs by late October with uniform 48°F temperatures and good oxygen (10.4 ppm) throughout the 30-foot water column. Forage is severely limited - Yellow Perch declined 42% since 1997, White Sucker dropped 93%, and only two minnow species were found. Black Crappie numbers exploded 512% since 1997, which could impact Walleye through egg predation based on patterns in nearby lakes. The lake sits in nutrient-poor, rocky acidic soils of the Michigamme Formation, creating naturally low productivity similar to Lake Michigamme. Mercury advisories apply: Northern Pike 1 serving per month under 30 inches, Walleye 2 servings per month under 20 inches. Best fishing occurs around the lake's numerous rocky points and islands, particularly the southern half where structure concentrates.