This will be our first time on the Ely side, normally come in from GM. So a little background of our trip so far, Labor day weekend launch from ep 25 and head straight up to Knife. This doesn't seem like the quickest trip so were wondering if we should get a tow, to save 2 hours. Has anyone done this is past, is it worth it and where can i get the best prices? Also any recommendations on outfitters, well be renting canoes as well.

As for knife we plan on base camping there 3 nights. Any good campsites, fishing spots or just must do's on the lake? We're planning on fishing for pretty much everything, not to picky and doing it for fun, some nice size pike's would be cool.

Thanks for the advice!

I go through this entry point a couple times a year. Unless I'm looking for paddle exercise, I take the tow. Canoeing on lakes with motorized traffic is not why I go to the BWCA.

I've never compared outfitter rates on Moose Lake. LaTourell's always performs well for us so that is who I stick with. Of course, they offer all the normal outfitting services like permit pickup, bunk houses, tows, equipment rental, and showers. Parking too.

Haven't fished Knife very much so no help there. Campsite preferences vary too much for my opinion to mean much. But here's a link to LaTourell's site.

LaTourell's Website

My most frequent entry. A half hour tow versus 2 hour paddle. Im not bothered by a few motorized boats and at near $30 a person plus perhaps a gratuity, doesn't seem worth it to me.

I think youll find all the operators are pretty close in cost.

We used LaTourells for our trip.

I would take the tow since it's two hours of paddling. Also a large number of permits for Moose Lake and the earlier the better with crowded portages. I came through late morning a few years ago and was the 7th group waiting to access the first portage. There are trip reports you can search on this site and a fishing forum for more information. I use Canoe Country outfitters and let them order the permit.

We've done this trip several times and aside from finding open sites on Knife have had a great time. I would take the tow every time given the opportunity, it helps get you started with fresh arms and legs. As long as the wind isn't in your face you can make it to SAK in about 6 hours. Have a few campsites in mind and grab the first one you come across that is open and desirable. The water is ultra clear so you'll have to adjust your fishing techniques accordingly.

labor day weekend and a busy entry lake with several on lake outfitters offering pretty much the same with excellent service histories. I would check out the outfitters mentioned and check prices, brands of equipment, etc and make your final choice right away. Due to the busy weekend reservations will be heavy and the lake will likely be busy. Get an early tow and get to your campsite on knife then kick back and enjoy. I like to use the maps feature and check out photos of campsites and portages. What is good to one is not to another.
The tows usually start around 7am and if you get a really early start you can get ahead of the traffic but if you do not paddle regularly you will still arrive at the portages as the early tows have deposited their loads. If you can get ahead of the traffic the portages can go smoothly, but during peak periods you could experience delays. A nice time to fish and adjust gear, but delays just the same.

We always get the tow from Latourells. Never regret it. Fishing on Knife is usually good when we go--Memorial Day weekend--but we've been there once on August when it was hot and the fishing was off.

Lots of nice sites up there but watch for bears--there are plenty up that way since there are so many people toting food.

Enjoy!

Take the tow.

There's a site just west of the Eddy portage I've stayed on two different occasions. Nice site, good fishing nearby, and we normally hop up to Eddy w/o packs to check out the falls and fish.

if you intend to camp on Moose ....start looking early and take the first acceptable site you find. They fill up quick.

BobDobbs: "if you intend to camp on Moose ....start looking early and take the first acceptable site you find. They fill up quick."

Interesting deiiferent experiences. I often put in on Moose later in the day and have never had a problem finding a site. There are 5 along that isthmus between Sucker and Birch and seem they are usually all open. Good place if heading into Q early the next morning.