š Walleye
Walleye fishing is a favorite among anglers looking for both numbers and trophy-sized fish. The best time to target walleye is from late May through early July, when they're actively feeding in shallower waters after the spring spawn. Jigging with live minnows, leeches, or soft plastics near rocky points, submerged reefs, and drop-offs is highly effective. Evening and early morning trolling with crankbaits along weed lines and deeper structure also yields great results. Route Lake's vast, cold, oxygen-rich waters, paired with an abundance of forage fish and ideal rocky habitat, create perfect conditions for growing healthy and plentiful walleye populations.
š¦ Northern Pike
Northern pike thrive in the weedy bays, backwaters, and rocky shorelines of Route Lake, offering thrilling action throughout the open-water season. Late spring and early summer bring explosive shallow-water bites as pike finish spawning and aggressively feed. Mid to late summer, pike move deeper, often hanging around submerged vegetation and drop-offs where trolling large spoons, spinnerbaits, or swimbaits becomes highly effective. Route Lake's expansive structure, clear water, and interconnected bays offer the perfect ambush points that support the growth of these apex predators, some of which reach trophy size.
šļø Lake Trout
Lake trout fishing generally is best in early spring and late fall when these cold-water dwellers are cruising shallower depths. Trolling spoons or crankbaits just below the surface early in the season can be incredibly productive. As summer progresses, lake trout descend into deeper, colder waterādownriggers, jigging heavy spoons, or vertical presentations with tube jigs in 60-100 feet of water are the go-to techniques. Route Lake's deep, cold, and clear waters, fed by natural springs and minimal human impact, provide an exceptional environment for sustaining healthy lake trout populations.
š£ Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass fishing is an exciting and action-packed experience, especially from mid-June through late summer when bass are most active. These feisty fighters are commonly found along rocky shorelines, submerged logs, and island drop-offs. Anglers find great success with topwater lures in the early morning, transitioning to soft plastics, crankbaits, or jigs during the day. Route Lake's clear, rocky-bottomed waters and abundant structure provide an ideal habitat for smallmouth bass to thrive, producing not only high catch rates but also the chance at landing true trophy fish.
š£ Perch
Perch fishing at Route Lake is a fun and rewarding option for anglers of all ages. These schooling fish are most active during the warmer months, from June through September, when they can be found near weedy flats, around sunken islands, and along the edges of mid-depth shoals. Light tackle with small jigs tipped with minnows or worms is all you need for a full stringer. The healthy aquatic ecosystem of Route Lakeāwith its clean waters, diverse underwater terrain, and abundant food sourcesāprovides excellent conditions for yellow perch to flourish, offering both quality and quantity.
