Kekekabic

Kekekabic Lake is located approximately 31 miles NE of Ely in the BWCAW. This scenic lake has high cliffs and steep shorelines with good water clarity. There are several access options for visitors. All of these options include portages to access Kekekabic Lake and most visitors should allow more than one day to arrive there. There are 16 designated USFS campsites located around the lake for overnight use. Five species of fish were sampled from the gill nets during the 2017 survey of Kekekabic Lake. Six gill nets were set in relatively shallow water and 9 additional nets were set in deeper water targeting lake trout. Rock bass (67%) and lake trout (91%) dominated the shallow and deep water sampling, respectively. In addition to rock bass, one smallmouth bass was sampled marking the first time these two species have been identified in Kekekabic Lake using our standard sampling methods. Yellow perch and white sucker were also sampled in 2017. Lake trout numbers in 2017 (5.4/gill net) were slightly lower than the historic average (6.3/gill net). The average lake trout sampled was nearly 16 inches which is similar to the historic average length of 15.7 inches. The largest lake trout sampled in 2017 measured 19.5 inches in length. Some large lake trout have historically been present in Kekekabic Lake. Lake trout ages ranged from 4 to 15 years old based on otoliths.

Deep water gillnetting shows that lake trout and white sucker are present in above average numbers. Of 49 lake trout captured, 7 were under 12. Yellow perch were captured in the 1970 assessment - probably in shallow water nets.

The Lake Trout popultion is extremely well represented in all size groups to twenty inches and is well above the state average. The Sucker population is also above average and well represented in all age groups.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Lake Trout, Rock Bass, and Yellow Perch in Kekekabic. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Kekekabic. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Kekekabic has a maximum depth of 195 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Kekekabic is from 2017. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Kekekabic in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

No — Kekekabic has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide rock bass limit is: 30. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.