NPS About the Interior LakesIsle Royale’s interior lakes offer a unique fishing experience for visitors to Isle Royale. Unlike the larger Lake Superior waters, the interior lakes of Isle Royale have some different regulations and things to know. Perch, pike, walleye, and lake trout inhabit these interior lakes, ponds, and streams. For thousands of years, people have come to Isle Royale to fish. Today, park staff, scientists, anglers, and Anishinaabe work to protect the diversity of Isle Royale. Map of the Interior Lakes
NPS Fish Present in the Interior LakesThe map above shows which fish species are found in which interior lake across the island. This is not a complete list of all fish found in interior lakes and streams. Some lakes may have non-fishable species or too small of a population to include on the map.While other fish may reside in the interior lakes these species are the most common and with the following restrictions are allowed to be taken. Found in interior lakes and streams of Lake Superior. They choose water where smaller fish, plankton, and other food sources and vegetation are available. They have a long round body shape and rough to the touch scales. Generally yellow in color their coloring has differences depending on growth and body of water they are found in. Restrictions: Season: April 16th – October 31st Size Limits: No minimum or maximum size Daily Catch and Possession Limits: 25 recommended daily limit of ten They prefer shallow waters with dense vegetation and often reside in the banks of Lake Superior and its tributaries. During the hot summer months, they may leave the tributaries to seek the cooler waters of Lake Superior. Restrictions:Season: May 15th through October 31st Size limits: No minimum size; maximum size 30 inches Daily Catch and Possession Limits: Five in combination with walleye. No more than two northern pike. Lake trout move between depths throughout the year, they have a long greenish-gray body with pale spots. During spring they can be found feeding near the surface, moving to deeper water in the summer, and returning to the shallower waters of interior lakes during the autumn months. Lake Trout in Siskiwit Lake restrictions:Season: April 16 through October 31st Size Limits: Minimum size 15inches, no maximum Daily Catch and Possession Limits: Three Fish – only one Lake Trout 34” or greater Largest member of the perch family, they are found in Lake Superior and it’s rivers, streams, and interior lakes. They inhabit cool waters and generally are found in both shallow and deep water. Because of their good eyesight they are good hunters in murky water and at night. Restrictions: Season: May 15th to October 31st Size Limits: Minimum size 15”, no maximum size Daily Catch and Possession Limits: Five in any combination, but no more than two Northern Pike.
NPS Know Before You GoPrevent the spread of invasive speciesBefore your island trip clean fishing gear and change line spools. When Moving from Lake Superior waters to interior waters change line spools, and clean, drain, and dry gear. Help Isle Royale stay wild by following these best practices on your paddling trip to prevent the spread of invasive species. For further information refer to our canoeing and kayaking page. Licensing and LuresLicenses are not required for fishing in interior lakes and streams. Only use barbless hooks and artificial lures in all interior lakes and streams. Artificial lure means any lure or fly manufactured in imitation or substitution for natural bait. Disposal of Fish RemainsWe want the potential for attracting wildlife and feeding wildlife to be zero. By reducing unsightly fish remains and odors we can keep Isle Royale wild. Clean fish away from docks and campgrounds. Do not throw any remains into shallow water, to gulls, or other wildlife. At interior lakes deposit chopped remains (pieces 4” or less) into deep water via vessel or move at least 200’ (75 steps) away from campground, throwing chopped remains as far as possible into deep water. For more information visit our disposal of fish remains page. Fishing Consumption AdvisoryFish in some interior lakes show elevated mercy levels. Fish in Lake Superior show elevated levels of PFAS (forever chemicals). Isle Royale works with the Dragonfly Mercury Project (DMP), a nationwide surveillance monitoring, and research program that brings together public participants with scientific efforts to understand mercury (Hg) risks in protected areas. Learn more...
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Last updated: September 22, 2025