Someone shared a picture of a pike they caught on Basswood after Prairie Portage close to the falls and the border. This started me to wonder about licenses since I have never fished that location. Is the water by the falls considered American or Canadian? Just wondering if you need an American or Canadian license to fish this area? I'm guessing that is the American side and slightly east of there is Canadian water, but I have no real idea.

Hey Mike,

Been going there for 35+ years,never have seen the Canadian Fish
and Game Wordens up there. As long as you stay fishing to the right of the Falls
as your looking at them no problem. Link is showing border lines.

https://www.google.com/maps/@48.05181,-91.43811,17z/data=!3m1!1e3

I'm sure the falls are on the US side.

I think the border bisects them.

AmarilloJim: "I think the border bisects them. "

So are you saying west half the falls is in America and the east side half of the falls is Quetico?

Anybody know where I can find documentation on this? It seems everyone has their own take on what is what when it comes to fishing the falls.

We asked the guy at the ranger station/cabin if we could fish in front of cabin with Quetico license and he said that was fine, caught 4-5 smallies in the 16-18" range. I was assuming from the falls emptying into basswood north was the Q.

Yes, to go to link left side of mouse to highlight in blue, then right click to go.
Sorry for not telling sooner.

Wallyworld: " Hey Mike,


Been going there for 35+ years,never have seen the Canadian Fish
and Game Wordens up there. As long as you stay fishing to the right of the Falls
as your looking at them no problem. Link is showing border lines.


https://www.google.com/maps/@48.05181,-91.43811,17z/data=!3m1!1e3



"

The map shows most of the outflow is in America. Interesting to see the border line. Thanks.

Here's a link to the map.....

Google Map of Prairie Portage

My friend Dave at Williams and Hall outfitting said that the International Boundary Commission checks and rechecks the border line every so many years.The last time was around the late 90's or early 2000's. He said this map in the link shows all of the boundary points.

IBC map

Was fishing below the falls last June with a boat. Do Not, repeat do not fish as your looking at the falls to the left of the little island... . We drifted just barely to the left of that island as I was fighting a nice 20" smally.. some one came out and stated rather firmly stay on the other side of the island... respectfully said I'm sorry as the s mally was going into the net...... Then released the fish on the USA side......don't try em ..they can ruin a trip...... My favorite spot is right in front of the ranger cabin.. that really pisses em off.....

Wallyworld: " Hey Mike,


Been going there for 35+ years,never have seen the Canadian Fish
and Game Wordens up there. As long as you stay fishing to the right of the Falls
as your looking at them no problem. Link is showing border lines.


https://www.google.com/maps/@48.05181,-91.43811,17z/data=!3m1!1e3



"

I seen them four years in a row and was checked by them three times out of the four times I seem them in the back country. They were very professional and cordial each time.

I use my GPS. It clearly delineates the international border which is a big help. Just a thought.

Cool place. Once, while waiting for the tow boat, I managed to catch 100 smallmouth in 60 minutes wading this area. Most were 13-15 inches, no big fish, but plenty of them. My friend Rambo caught 96 during the same hour. All were caught on a 1/16 oz white tube jig with a white curly tail trailer. Never have been able to repeat this. JerryG

Just don't fish for Cisco's there.
I don't use GPS . Maybe I should....
What's a few feet.

Can't we all get along.

Thanks for all of the comments. I doubt I ever fish there, I was just curious. I will have licenses for both sides though when I cross by in a few months.

Man, that's a cool satellite map. Thank you for sharing!

There are some very good fishing spots visible on that map (hint: look in the clear lakes for underwater humps only otherwise visible with a depth finder!) ;)

I have also been fishing "close to the line" and had the Canadians come out on their dock and yell at me. I ignore them, I know where the line is and they can't tell from their dock. I know many others that have had the same experience, it has become their reputation. Makes me wonder why they didn't yell at Jeeps people when they were netting cisco. Hard to prove after the fact.

If unsure of where the line is don't fish there. All kinds of other things come into play. Like border crossing and if you have alcohol you will be in a bad situation.