I have always entered the BWCA near Sawbill but want to try somewhere new this year. Looking to enter near Ely somewhere. Any thoughts on an EP that would fit the bill? We are two buys in our 30s good shape. Want to base camp not pack up each day. Main thing we are looking for is fishing and smaller bodies of water. I can look at a map and find the smaller bodies of water but thought id see if anyone had any tips for an EP near there.

Little Gabbro Lake-Gabbro Lake
Moose River North-Lake Agnes
Little Indian Sioux River North-Shell Lake
Mudro Lake-Horse Lake or Fourtown Lake
Farm Lake-Clear Lake

Not necessarily "small," but certainly not a Basswood or LLC or Knife...

Take a look at Crab Lake Ep #4.

Both Crab & Cummings offer several exquisite potential basecamps and the area is loaded with small lakes that provide (at least) decent fishing.

EP 26 - Wood Lake might meet your expectations. Wood Lake itself is about 600 acres, has a few nice basecamp locations, and offers good fishing for bass, pike, and some walleye. Setup camp on either Good or Indiana and both of those lakes offer fine fishing too.

EP 23 - Mudro
You have two very good options with good fishing coming in from ep 23. If you travel west out of EP23 you have Fourtown, Boot, Fairy, Gun (All good fishing) and a few other lakes all within a half days travel. If you travel East you have Sand Pit, Tin Can Mike, and good base camping and fishing on Horse. As a bonus, you can take a day trip up Horse River to Lower basswood falls. This is a cool little day adventure that everyone I have gone with on this route has enjoyed. I'd highly recommend either of these trips out of the Mudro EP for what you are looking for. Our trip interests and style are very similar. One third of my trips have come via EP23 and I've never been disappointed.

Hope this helps - Have a great trip!
Darin