Looking at another trip this year... I feel I have a fairly good grasp on what the Ely side has to offer, but wondering about the east side... an area with some good fishing action is a must! We don't need trophies, but would like to catch frequently and maybe eat 1 or 2 during our trip.

Looking for a good place to basecamp. We don't prefer to travel with all of our gear each day. We have hammocks so burn areas are probably out - and love going on day trips

The only other top priority is small lakes. Small to us is nothing larger than Vista. Smaller would be even better.

ps. today at REI I did pick up the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Eastern Region - book by Robert Beymer & Louis Dzierzak. I know I could read, but your advice is always swift.

Thanks!

Ok, look this up on the entry site maps on this site. Baker Lake entry and go north. SMB and walleye fishing good, maybe see a moose.. side trips to other lakes...and remember this ar a for a fall trip: really pretty with fall colors, and the Caribou Trail is also.

Oh Thanks Bassnet! That includes Jack & Weird Lakes right? If so - I think that's right up our alley.

How large are the fire lakes?

quote bassnet: "Ok, look this up on the entry site maps on this site. Baker Lake entry and go north. SMB and walleye fishing good, maybe see a moose.. side trips to other lakes...and remember this ar a for a fall trip: really pretty with fall colors, and the Caribou Trail is also."

Agree

Smoke and Flame are smaller than Vista....Burnt is similar in acreage, just has a bigger "central" section.....maybe a tad bigger.

The east side, although very nice, is quite different from the Ely or Sawbill area. Mostly large east to west running lakes with a few exceptions. The biggest exception is the lakes south of Poplar which you have already been to.

Baker Lake is a great entry with small lakes, short easy portages(for the most part), great fishing, mix of lake and river like paddling on the narrow stretches of Kelly and Jack, and good chances of seeing wildlife, especially moose.

You may be aware of this but at the north end of the Kelly to Jack portage there is a short trail to an abandoned gold mine that you can go in and check out. Also many artifacts lying around the area.

Knowing how much you love the Mudro area, as do I, if you get up to South Temperance Lake I think you will like it nearly as much. Gorgeous lake with many points, bays and islands and some very nice campsites. There are some good daytrip options from there as well.

I would encourage you to check out the east side someday. A loop through the Pike lakes and Pine, or entering at Clearwater thrugh Caribou and checking out Johnson Falls is a great trip. When children get older they can handle more and can contribute more. It is a very nice area, just very different from what you have been tripping in so far.

quote cowdoc: "Smoke and Flame are smaller than Vista....Burnt is similar in acreage, just has a bigger "central" section.....maybe a tad bigger."

Nice! Was definitely looking at Flame with its solo campsite. Looks interesting there.

quote lindylair: "The east side, although very nice, is quite different from the Ely or Sawbill area. Mostly large east to west running lakes with a few exceptions. The biggest exception is the lakes south of Poplar which you have already been to.

Baker Lake is a great entry with small lakes, short easy portages(for the most part), great fishing, mix of lake and river like paddling on the narrow stretches of Kelly and Jack, and good chances of seeing wildlife, especially moose.


You may be aware of this but at the north end of the Kelly to Jack portage there is a short trail to an abandoned gold mine that you can go in and check out. Also many artifacts lying around the area.

Knowing how much you love the Mudro area, as do I, if you get up to South Temperance Lake I think you will like it nearly as much. Gorgeous lake with many points, bays and islands and some very nice campsites. There are some good daytrip options from there as well.

I would encourage you to check out the east side someday. A loop through the Pike lakes and Pine, or entering at Clearwater thrugh Caribou and checking out Johnson Falls is a great trip. When children get older they can handle more and can contribute more. It is a very nice area, just very different from what you have been tripping in so far. "

"

Thanks Lindylair. I really appreciate your feedback esp since you've been following what we've been to and have enjoyed thus far! That way you know what we like and dislike. Your advice is valuable. I definitely want to do the E. Bearksin/Johnson Falls/ Clearwater trip at some point!

Went to Clearwater this winter and the lake DEFINITELY does not feel as big as it is. Maybe this is helpful too for suggestions.

I've heard that S. Temperance is GORGEOUS! Definitely want to check it out sometime. How do you guys like Wine Lake? Yes - I realize its a bit of a PITA to get to - but I heard the 5 star island site is to die for... plus... -if you guys know me.. "wine lake.."

For Labor Day weekend my husband as challenged me to "take the days off" but not "book" anything... will book our trip the week of depending what's available. This is a huge divergence for me, but also very intriguing, fun and exciting.

Oh, and since you will be on the North Shore Drive...... Betty's Pies.... The Pie Place( in Grand Marais)...... jus' sayin'......

quote bassnet: "Oh, and since you will be on the North Shore Drive...... Betty's Pies.... The Pie Place( in Grand Marais)...... jus' sayin'......"

actually - have you tried the Rustic Inn? Better than Betty's...

How are the lady lakes in size?

(do you feel my draw to the Sawbill area?)