The Wabana Chain of Lakes is among the most desirable in northern Minnesota for its pristine spring-fed waters and excellent fishing. Wabana Lake is 2,220 acres. Almost half of the lake is located in the Chippewa National Forest and can never be developed. As a result, nature thrives both in and out of the water. Bald eagles nest on the lake, loons are abundant, and whitetail deer can often be seen on its shoreline. The area is also home to timber wolves, black bears, forest critters, and many types of waterfowl.

Wabana is known for its outstanding walleye and bass fishing. The lake contains both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Northern pike, crappie, and panfish are also plentiful. Fishing pressure on the chain is reasonable, making it one of the best-kept secrets in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region. Indeed, almost all of our guests consider the fishing to be outstanding.

Big Trout Lake (1,750 acres) and Little Trout Lake (75 acres) offer similar opportunities for game fish and panfish. Bluewater Lake (365 acres) offers trout fishing. You can read more about each lake at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources online Lake Finder. When you visit the site, be sure to note the outstanding water clarity and quality of Wabana and its adjacent lakes. It is common to be able to look down 10-15 feet and watch fish swimming.

The resort itself is located in the Chippewa National Forest on the east side of Wabana Lake, on Murphy Bay. We are fortunate to have an outstanding level swimming beach at the resort, with fine sand, no rocks, and a gradual drop off. Children of all ages can enjoy the water and fish off of our docks.

We consider ourselves stewards of the environment and protectors of all that makes the Wabana Chain of Lakes so special. To that end, we follow, and expect our guests to follow, all state and local fishing and boating regulations, including fish possession limits. We support the catch and release of smallmouth bass and trophy game fish. (We can refer you to outstanding providers for replica mounts.) We do not allow jet skis or wake boats, and we recommend that water skiing be done in the daytime, to leave the evenings for fishing and general peace and quiet on the lake. We participate in the Itasca County Aquatic Invasive Species Program as a FiveStar Resort. That means we will inspect watercraft and recreational gear to ensure that they meet cleaning and decontamination protocols, in an effort to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species into our protected chain of lakes.