White Iron Chain Boating Guide: Routes, Fishing & Local Tips
The White Iron Chain of Lakes has plenty of relaxing scenic cruising opportunities, trophy fishing, and secluded islands ready to be explored. If you’re heading out for a day paddle, fishing adventure, or just a fun day of family boating, there’s a lot about White Iron Lake boating you should know.
In this article, we’ll share what makes White Iron Lake boating so unique compared to its neighboring lakes. From Beargrease Island’s historic background to Silver Rapids currents, or even if you’re looking for information on nearby lakes like Lake Shagawa, Granite Lake, or Farm Lake and Silver Rapids, we’ll cover that too.
We’ll even suggest some recommended paddling routes northbound and southbound, prime swim bays and island picnic spots, important safety information for Silver Rapids, reef and point fishing tips for walleye fishing and smallmouth bass anglers, and helpful tricks for kayak and pontoon friendly boating, skiers, and ice anglers.
Choose Your Day on White Iron
Before choosing your boat launch location and loading up the boat or kayak, plan what kind of day you want to have on White Iron Lake. Do you and your family prefer relaxing scenic cruises, exhilarating fishing trips, or a mix of watersports and cooler picnics on board? Boaters have the luxury of picking their own adventure on White Iron due to its chain-like layout. Routes range from quick jaunts between two or three close islands, to full-day trips exploring White Iron’s north or south forks.
When deciding where to go, remember to factor in public access locations, established no-wake zones on White Iron, and family-friendly swim bays versus canoe and paddler-friendly alcoves.
Southbound: Beargrease Island & South Kawishiwi River Mouth
If you want to start near your White Iron boat launch point and travel south, there are some iconic landmarks you won’t want to miss.
Beargrease Island
Begin by sticking close to White Iron’s leeward shores and hopping between small islands as you make your way toward Beargrease Island. This small island was named after the famous mail delivery and dog sled racing Beargrease Trail that traversed the nearby wilderness. Stop here for one of the best island picnic spots on White Iron.
South Kawishiwi River Mouth
Keep paddling south toward White Iron’s South Kawishiwi River Mouth. This inflow empties colder, moving water into White Iron’s basin and provides ideal spots for anglers hoping for a catch. White Iron is known for walleye and smallmouth bass populations, which patrol these channels during prime seasons. Drifting or anchoring along moving water works well because baitfish collect along the current, giving anglers excellent reed over reef and point fishing opportunities. Try slip bobber over reefs tipped with a night crawl or leech, or plan trolling passes evening bite along points and breaks.
Families taking boats or kayaks south toward the South Kawishiwi River Mouth will find quiet bays ideal for swimming. Pack a cooler picnic on board and enjoy mealtime right on your boat.
Northbound: Quiet Water to Garden Lake
Paddlers who prefer a calmer day can cruise north toward Garden Lake, where White Iron opens into large basins with narrower channels, allowing for leisurely exploration. One walleye or northern pike tactic is to take note of rocky areas near points and reefs. Here, a depth finder on reefs will come in handy.
Boaters who don’t own a kayak or boat can access White Iron easily via Your Boat Club rentals on Farm Lake and Silver Rapids. Member services and launch access are available at the Farm Lake dock. Garden Lake is also a fun afternoon cruise letting boaters explore White Iron in a northbound direction. Expect calm water for paddlers and canoeists, with many coves to hop in and out of along the way.
Islands You Can Land On
White Iron’s many islands and sandbars make it easy to put ashore for a picnic, swimming break, or stretch. Your kids and pets will enjoy these public spaces. Always remember to practice Clean Drain Dispose techniques: pack out what you pack in and watch for posted private property signs (more detail will be described below). Observe wildlife and plants without disturbing natural habitats.
Popular islands include:
Beargrease Island (island picnic spots)
Crescent Island
Little Island
Goose Island
Enjoy the sandy beaches on these islands for swimming or resting between paddling stops.
Safety Snapshot: Silver Rapids & Narrow Passages
The biggest safety concern on White Iron Chain is Silver Rapids, a narrow channel leading to Farm Lake. Because water flows quickly here, swimming is not recommended. Instead, bathing areas for families are abundant on White Iron’s south shore and in sandy swim bays.
Boaters need to take no-wake zones on White Iron and idle speeds seriously, especially through narrow passages like Silver Rapids. Always maintain boater etiquette and pay attention to what’s going on around you, including paddlers and anglers, when idling along shorelines. Remember to reduce your speed to prevent erosion and collisions.
Do:
Follow boating etiquette and keep speed low near docks, islands, and narrow channels.
Pass docked boats, paddleboards, and kayaks with plenty of distance.
Keep to family boating practices near sensitive areas.
Don’t:
Swim in strong currents.
Rush through marked shipping channels.
Dispose of garbage or fishing line on islands or shorelines.
Following these rules keeps everyone safe and ensures a fun day on White Iron.
Fishing on White Iron
As stated earlier, White Iron boasts walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish. Different species thrive during different seasons:
Walleye: Spring and fall, near reefs and river points with moving water.
Smallmouth Bass & Northern Pike: Summer, around weedlines.
Panfish: Warmer months, in shallow bays.
Note that fish tend to congregate along points, reefs, and weedline edges year-round. If you’re heading in the direction of the South Kawishiwi River Mouth, you’ll see plenty of flowing water and abundant aquatic life.
How to Fish Beargrease Island:
Spring: Cast a jig tipped with a live minnow around shallow reef and point fishing spots.
Summer Evenings: Fish a slip bobber over reefs tipped with leech over deeper structures.
Plan trolling passes evening bites near points, breaks, and weedlines for best results.
Always check Minnesota DNR regulations for seasonal guidelines, size limits, and daily catch restrictions before you head out on your trip.
Swim, Ski, and Paddle: Picking the Right Cove
For swimming, families with children can use the lake’s south-shore leeward bays. Anglers, skiers, wakeboarders, and tubers can also enjoy open mid-lake reaches when winds are calm. The peaceful, easy coves and channels make for an enjoyable kayak or pontoon paddle.
Land at points with sandy beaches for a swim bay stop, but remember to avoid Silver Rapids for swimming or water sports since currents run too strong and are considered unsafe.
Planning a Day Picnic & Nearby Restaurants
While White Iron doesn’t have waterfront restaurants accessible directly by boat, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and pack your own cooler picnic to have on board. Some quick and easy options include sandwiches, fruits, and drinks. Once you arrive at the quiet shore or a remote island picnic spot, enjoy your time with family and friends.
Nearby Winton and Ely, MN offer waterfront dining for a land-based meal before or after boating. Launch at White Iron’s public accesses to enjoy a shore lunch right on the lake.
Launches & Access
White Iron Lake offers several public access points:
| Launch | Shore Type | Parking | Restrooms | Notes |
| White Iron Main Access | Gravel | Moderate | Yes | Busiest on Saturdays from 10am-2pm |
| Garden Lake Public Ramp | Sand/Gravel | Limited | No | Good for northbound trips |
| South Kawishiwi River Launch | Sand | Small | No | Near fishing hotspots |
Secure your launch parking in Ely by arriving early on weekends, and be considerate to fellow boaters by stepping away from the ramp quickly, slowing down near docks, paddlers, and anchored boats, and following boating etiquette.
AIS & Good-Neighbor Boating
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) threaten Minnesota lakes. Boaters help protect White Iron by following Clean → Drain → Dispose:
Clean: Remove debris, plants, and algae from boats, trailers, and gear.
Drain: Empty all water before leaving the access.
Dispose: Never dump plants or excess water into the lake. Instead, use proper disposal sites.
Finally, idle slowly near docks, paddleboarders, and kayaks to limit wakes. This protects the Kawishiwi watershed and lakes upstream.
Winter Ice Fishing on White Iron
White Iron freezes solid in mid-winter, creating excellent ice fishing opportunities. Plan to catch walleye on reefs and points, and northern pike near previous weedlines. Before you head out, always check ice thickness and follow all safety guidelines, including flotation devices and ice picks.
Your Boat Club marinas close during winter, but the three public access boat launch points serve as great starting spots for ice anglers.
Boat Rentals on the White Iron Chain with Your Boat Club
Don’t own a boat? No problem. Your Boat Club boat rentals provide full access to White Iron’s lakes, islands, and fishing spots, perfect for kayak and pontoon friendly trips.
Stop in for a boat, enjoy a day on the water, and consider membership for year-round boating benefits. Read all about Your Boat Club member benefits.
Plan Your White Iron Lake Adventure
White Iron Lake boating has something for everyone. Whether you're into walleye fishing near the South Kawishiwi River Mouth, looking to enjoy a family picnic on Beargrease Island, or craving a relaxing day of paddling north toward Garden Lake, the chain's mix of open water, protected bays, and historic landmarks makes it an ideal destination in Minnesota's Boundary Waters region.
Before you launch, it’s important to know the basics: the no-wake zones and Silver Rapids currents, Clean Drain Dispose practices to protect the watershed, and planning ahead with your food prep as there are no dock-and-dine options. If heading out in the winter, always check the ice conditions, and in the summer, arrive early on weekends to secure parking.
Whether you're trailering your own boat or renting through Your Boat Club at nearby Farm Lake, White Iron's secluded islands, excellent fishing, and family-friendly swim bays are waiting. If you’re planning your next boating adventure, consider White Iron Lake and see for yourself why it remains one of Ely's most beloved boating destinations.
