Bowstring River

Bowstring River

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Size
NA
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
Yes
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
Yes
Species in Bowstring River

Overview

Often overshadowed by nearby Lake Winnibigoshish, these lakes provide great walleye action. Crappie, northern pike and perch also present. Weedlines concentrate Sand Lake walleye, while midlake structure holds many fish on Bowstring.

Bowstring River Map

Features

Bowstring Lake is located within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and is part of a chain of lakes on the Bowstring River. The lake is often windswept and can be rough. While fishing is generally best on the windward shore, the leeward side is safer during periods of high wind. Fishing pressure on Bowstring is heavy in spring, but only moderate during summer because of its proximity to Lake Winnibigoshish. Bowstring has abundant wild rice beds, but harvesting is restricted to Leech Lake Indian tribal members. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has fish consumption advisories on walleye and northern pike. Check state advisory publication for details. Sand Lake is located within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and the Chippewa National Forest. It is part of a chain of lakes on the Bowstring River. Like Bowstring, Sand Lake can also become windswept and rough.

Forage

Bowstring Lake - Perch, mimic shiner and Spottail shiner are the most important forage species. White sucker, redhorse, common shiner, golden shiner, blacknose shiner, bluntnose minnow and tullibee are also utilized.Sand Lake - Perch and Spottail shiner are the primary forage species. Blacknose shiner, common shiner, golden shiner, bluntnose minnow, white sucker, Johnny darter and tullibee (cisco) are also present.

Seasonal Movements

Bowstring Lake - Walleye move to the north shore in spring to spawn. Northern pike migrate to Grouse Bay and the Bowstring River inlet during March and April to spawn. Sand Lake - Northern pike move into the Bowstring River, Cedar Creek and the channel to Mushgee Lake to spawn during March and April.
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Fish Species

Bluegill
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Largemouth bass
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Northern pike
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Perch
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Pumpkinseed
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Rock bass
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Walleye
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data

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