We are in the process of planning another fishing trip for next summer possibly to Basswood. I am looking for some info on some of the smaller lakes away from the larger main lakes. We have always fished whatever lake we were currently camping on Iron, Knike, Basswood, ect. I'm thinking of mid week hiking out to a couple of the smaller lakes I have seen on Google maps. The only labeled lake I see in this area on any of my maps is Hube Lake. I am wondering if it would be worth the time (or legal) to hike into and fish any lakes this size or smaller?

It's the old maxim, you don't know until you go. Few, if any, are going to give up hard won gems to folk they don't know, particularly on a public forum. I am usually always game to check out smaller lakes off the beaten path........even though I understand it is PROBABLY unlikely to yield better fishing than the larger lakes.

But it's fun and adventurous and usually interesting checking out new hard to get to waters.......and you never know, the fishing might just be awesome.

My methods are probably more involved than most with lakes 1/4 mile or more back in. I tend to flag a route, making sure it will "go". I evaluate the route and make mental notes of trouble spots and after making sure there are no "surprises" I trudge in with gear and boat. This sounds like the hard way of doing things but in the long run it will save you much grief (been there, done that, many, many times). Be sure to remove your flagging tape on the way out. I am not so keen relying on GPS only, it's tough to read with a boat overhead. Just go from flag to flag and it's mistake free.

MT is wise. Listen to him.

Great advice! I doubt I attempt to haul a boat through to woods. I'll probably just bring a pole and a bag and hike in. I'm thinking it will be a nice break from the bigger lakes on really windy days.

I do quite a lot of small lake bush whacking. 80% they don't Pan out but sometimes they do. I use flagging tape as well. Just keep your hopes down. If you do strike gold keep your mouth shut.

This is 24K advice: "If you do strike gold keep your mouth shut."