We are headed to Insula in a week for the first time ever. Have reviewed prior posts but am wondering if anyone would be able to share some general pointers. Thanks.

If going in through Lakes 1, 2, 3, and Hudson; some of your best fishing should be below the rapids at each portage... I'm not a walleye fisherman, but have done well on Insula for smallies & pike. Lots of nooks & crannies to explore on that big lake with all the back bays & islands. I would recommend using a pike leader when fishing for smallies! There is a big pike somewhere in that lake with my #3 Mepps spinner in his teeth :-) Very cool lake, hope you have a great trip! Narrows up to Alice can be another good spot if you want to venture out for a day trip...

Iowa Guy

leeches under a slip-bobber should put fish in the box. Concentrate on pinches and neckdowns and fish shallow. (less than 15') To find active fish,, troll a shad rap or floating rap (colors up to you),, then if you get a few in the same general area, anchor and sit back and watch a bobber!!! Wind blown shorelines will work for trolling,, anchoring may not be in the cards till dusk in these areas when and if the wind calms down.

Fish the narrows by campsite 1323 for walleye. There is so many spots on that lake that hold fish you should have no problem catching fish.

My advice would be to work around the many islands. Bring a camera, it is an absolutely beautiful lake. Have a great trip!

This guy was out there last year. Honestly, I don't think I would want to be the person to catch him. He was there on the shore at a campsite we stopped to explore.

I don't really have anything to show scale but it was biiiiiiiggggggg.

They are hungry up there.

I gotta agree with Iowa fishing the rapids along the portage from Hudson to insula was great for smallies. Last year I pulled at lease 2 good sized smallies out of each pool. Use a leech and slip bobber @ the bottom for some walleyes. If you make it over to the portage from Insula to Alice there is a nice pool there pulled alot of walleyes and smallies out of that one as well.

Good luck and have fun!

Thanks to everyone for sharing this information...very helpful.

quote Savage Voyageur: "Fish the narrows by campsite 1323 for walleye. "

How do you find the camp number?

Go to Maps option in main menu and click. Click on Boundary Waters Online topo maps lookup. Select your lake. Red dots indicate camp sites. Hover your pointer over camp site and a window will indicate the # of the site. Click on red dot for info on the site if available. Hope this helps.