Pietro LakeMaking ConnectionsMapsLinks
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Full image approximately 2 miles square |
Description
Pietro is a remarkably clear, moderate sized lake on the eastern leg of the Clearwater route, 10¼ miles WNW of Forest Center, and 14½ miles ESE of Ely. Some 1½ miles long NE/SW, its 339 acres reach a maximum depth of 31' while more than ¾ of the lake is deeper than 15'. At the southwest end, Pietro Creek meanders westward and, turning abruptly south, flows down to Bald Eagle. At the extreme south end of Pietro, a 50 rod portage connects with Gull to the south and through it to Bald Eagle. Along the north shore, a 65 rod carry climbs 50' into little Camdre, providing connection to Clearwater and Rock Island beyond.The forests along the southern and eastern shores of Pietro, reaching south to Gull and east beyond Rock of Ages, are some 175 years old, dating back to the fire year of 1824. The forest northwest to Clearwater is younger, dating back to an 1875 burn, while that off the southwest end is of 1894 vintage. The Independence Day windstorms of 1999 had limited impact in the Pietro area, though standing tree losses were estimated at 10% to 33% farther to the west, between Clearwater and Turtle.
Campsites
Pietro supports four established campsites, all along the northernwestern shore.Planning Considerations
Pietro is a link in the Clearwater route, connecting Bald Eagle in the south with the Number Lakes to the north. It is also a worthy destination in its own right. Consider camping at Pietro or one of its immediate neighbors if your trip takes you through this area. It sure beats pressing on to camp at Lake Two (provided you can even find a campsite, that is).Wildlife
Pietro supports populations of Northern Pike (Esox lucius), Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus), Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris), and White Sucker (Catostomus commersoni) according to Minnesota DNR lake surveys (most "recently" surveyed in 1962). But you should look for Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieui) as well, says Kevin King:
| One suggested change, in reading thru the Pietro Lake info, you omit smallmouth on the species. It's probably the best smallmouth lake I've fished in that part of the BWCA, with decent size, and exceptional numbers. |
Notes and Comments
The pristine clarity of the water in Pietro and the other lakes on the Clearwater route cannot really be understood until you put your canoe in at the portage landing and watch the bottom fall away, and away.
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