First trip heading out of Fall Lake on the 19th of June. We are somewhat novice to lake paddling as most of our experience has been on rivers. I know much depends on weather but with that being said how bad can waves get on Basswood, Newton, and Pipestone? I am wondering if smaller lakes would be a better option? I am probably overthinking this but as the saying goes, "if you fail to plan to plan to fail."

I have been on Basswood with waves in the 12-18 inch range. Paddle close to shore, along shorelines that are more wind-protected, or wait for calmer conditions. Paddle within your skill level.

I have spent considerable time on Basswood in a 15 ft solo. The obvious advice is "you never know". If the waves are big stay put. If they are marginal near shore they are just going to be larger offshore.

I am a typical shoreline paddler for the most part. I find it easier to "stay found" on the map and I prefer the intimacy of being able to look into the woods and water and actually see with some detail. I also like the feeling of the land slipping by. And of course if you do swamp it is typically not life threatening. I detest the thought of a capsize even a 1/8 mile out.

Do not be afraid to paddle Basswood. It is a fine canoeing lake. But my general tendency is to be off any big water or be in the lee by 2 p.m.. Does the wind always crank up then? No, but often enough to make it a useful motto.

I've paddled the length of Basswood several times, including with my 11 year old son in the bow spot. One morning we had camped around the English Channel on way back yo PP. It was whitecaps but we were able to get to US shore in 15-20 min and it was fine getting back along shore.

Generally, I've loved the day long paddle of Basswood - either way.

The Bayley Bay area of Basswood is notorious for wind/waves strong enough to bring even the most seasoned paddler to shore. On last years MN Voyageur/Kruger Challenge - several of the challengers were wind bound for several hours in this area.

HOWEVER- as mentioned, most of time Basswood is just like any other lake in the area. Peaceful and a joy to paddle.

Sounds good thanks for advice. More than likely we will base camp for a couple days near Jackfish or the top of Pipestone and branch out from there. From what I have been reading it sounds like being somewhat close to camp around 2 is a smart move.

Rs130754: "Sounds good thanks for advice. More than likely we will base camp for a couple days near Jackfish or the top of Pipestone and branch out from there. From what I have been reading it sounds like being somewhat close to camp around 2 is a smart move."

Not a bad plan. I struggle to get up, fed, camp broken, and going before 7:00 am but like that - then travel 6-7 hours - make camp - eating lunch first thing. Also depends on season and weather and area whether or not finding a good site will be difficult. Where and when you are going makes 1:00 to 2:00 seem like a good target.

Also remember that on Fall Lake, Newton Lake, and the lower pat of Pipestone Bay power boats are allowed. I have never found them to be a problem, but if you dislike the idea of paddling or camping where they are found you will need to go north of the area where they at allowed.

billconner: "

Rs130754: "Sounds good thanks for advice. More than likely we will base camp for a couple days near Jackfish or the top of Pipestone and branch out from there. From what I have been reading it sounds like being somewhat close to camp around 2 is a smart move."

Not a bad plan. I struggle to get up, fed, camp broken, and going before 7:00 "

I am going with a 20+ year veteran Marine. Something tells me I will see lots of sunrises...and the possibility for morning PT. :)

Basswood is a Great Lake, especially for fishing. Get your outfitter to point out spots or check out the fishing forum.

Every year a few folks get in trouble on Basswood because they did not know their limitations. The first question is have you paddled on waves before and can you keep the canoe quartering in the wind. If not find a local lake to practice on on windy days.

Know how to do a proper J stroke, not a pry. If you switch, know when to call the switches.

Paddling close to shore is good advice, but just like the ocean waves can be unstable if you are too close to shore. Make sure you load your canoe right. You always want to have the lightest end on the lee side. That way the canoe will act a bit like a wind sock as it pushes the canoe in the direction of the wind. Stay low for better balance. If the wind is bad enough I will come down off the seat and paddle kneeling.

Finally, no wind blows consistently. You will see areas where the gusts are and can time when they hit you. Plan accordingly. Use islands and stay on the lee side. Plotting a course on a white capping lake is as much an art as planning one on white water. Take time before you head out to plot your course. Plot a bail out route if you find things too rough. Most of all hunker down in big water. Fish, explore, whatever.

Bayley Bay and the main part of Basswood can get bad in part because there are fewer islands to tuck behind. Sag is worse and there is nothing like a wind on Rainy. Then there is Jackfish.

Oh yes, use your life jackets.