We are a first time group heading in doing a Basecamp trip extra heavy on the fishing. I've read previous posts about the area so we have an idea, as well as listening to our outfitter. That being said, I'm always open for more info, any good campsites with shore fishing, or any must see areas, or any current reports from the area would be greatly appreciated. We're mainly throwing for Smallies and walleyes but want to get into some good panfish for frying and maybe a bonus pike for someone, if we're lucky. Thanks in advance!

Where do you plan on heading from there and how far do you want to go? As you've said, plenty of discussion on this in the past. I don't think you'll have a problem getting pike for all who are fishing...

We're pretty open to suggestions really, no plans set in stone. I've read alot of good things about boot lake so that sticks out, but we're all ears. 23 is the mudroom entry, and yes I'm sure we will get plenty of pike along the way, my reference to bonus is for a giant.

I guess with this being our first trip I'm hoping to gather if the small lakes in the area would meet our fishing needs or do we need to hit up a larger body of water.

Thanks!

We love the site on Beartrap, and it (the lake) was a gem to fish. The eastern Fairy site is a great one. Fishing was slower there than on Beartrap for us, but still not bad.

Gun Lake has some of the cleanest water you will see. I believe there are trout in there. It’s deep clear water. Not tannic like the majority of the others. Not super sure how the camp sites are as we passed through last trip.

The first spot to the right after you portage into Boot Lake is a nice camp site. Passer bys said they caught an 8 pound walleye from the bank.

We will be entering at Fall Lake and exiting entry point 23 this year in July (with the current for what were doing).

The best small mouth fishing we encountered was Basswood. Our main base camp will be Friday Bay. Last time we entered at 23 and made it there in two days (rain ruined our pace). Can easily get there in one day. Seriously good fishing if you have the energy and time to get there. We went in June last time.

There are plenty of fish between Fourtown and Crooked. I've had good luck on about all of them except gun. Not sure why that evening but that's my one comment. Water there is not as stained as mentioned before.

Very good info, it's much appreciated. I don't know why but I like the prospects of having the clear water of gun nearby. Something different to try and fish, we have had very good success on other clear lakes more near home...it would be fun to try to see if our presentation etc translates to a totally new body of water.

Are you talking about Gun lake south of Crooked or the Gun lake south of Lac la Croix? The Gun near LLC lists trout and 16.7’ water clarity in the DNR lake finder. Gun lake near Crooked / Mudro is old survey info, so not as much detail.

South of crooked.

Abbey: "Are you talking about Gun lake south of Crooked or the Gun lake south of Lac la Croix? The Gun near LLC lists trout and 16.7’ water clarity in the DNR lake finder. Gun lake near Crooked / Mudro is old survey info, so not as much detail. "

Gun Lake south of crooked. I was incorrect in saying it has Trout. That’s the “other” gun lake.

If you're heavy on the fishing, then heading in to Crooked would be my choice, especially if you can get away from the zoo that (often) is LBF and the east end of Crooked and head west. Lots of water, not many people, and easy access to Curtain Falls, Iron Lake, and the western bays of Crooked.

How far do you want to go? I have done a number of trips into Horse and the fishing is excellent. A few pics below show the possibilities. If you want a longer trip, Friday bay in Crooked is fantastic. A more secluded option is Chippewa or Nikki for big largemouth, smallmouth, and panfish. Boot has big fish, but the fishing can be hit or miss.

Here is a few from Boot. The first one is a 29 inch walleye.

Beartrap is cool.

Thanks buzz. I've seen the 29 in. from looking at previous posts and trip reports. Quality fish, no doubt! We are doing a 5 day trip so I would say that we're pretty open to most of the lakes in the mudroom area.

Spent 3 days early June last year fishing Gull to the west of Gun and had a great time fishing. The peninsula site on the north side was a nice spot to spend 3 nights. We stayed our last night on the southern end of Fourtown and had decent evening fishing for smaller walleye, smallmouth and one big northern. I'd consider fishing Moosecamp next time I'm in that area. Nice lake with decent fishing and the paddle out the river to Fourtown was a great experience.

If you are thinking panfish for dinner, consider this: keep a handful of 12" smallies. I know,I know. Try it. Those b-dub bass are delicious.

Bumstead: "Spent 3 days early June last year fishing Gull to the west of Gun and had a great time fishing. The peninsula site on the north side was a nice spot to spend 3 nights. We stayed our last night on the southern end of Fourtown and had decent evening fishing for smaller walleye, smallmouth and one big northern. I'd consider fishing Moosecamp next time I'm in that area. Nice lake with decent fishing and the paddle out the river to Fourtown was a great experience."

My coworker raved about gull lake in that area. His favorite trip!

buzz17: "How far do you want to go? I have done a number of trips into Horse and the fishing is excellent. A few pics below show the possibilities. If you want a longer trip, Friday bay in Crooked is fantastic. A more secluded option is Chippewa or Nikki for big largemouth, smallmouth, and panfish. Boot has big fish, but the fishing can be hit or miss. "

This is the first post I've read that states their are fish in Chippewa and Niki.
I was thinking about camping on one of those for a night in august. figured it would be away from the masses and quieter.

daveowens286: My apologies for any duplicate photos. My canoe partner thlipsis29 does the trip reports and he is very good at including photos. Good luck wherever you choose to go!

Bushman: Email me and I can give you more specifics on Chippewa and Niki. Yes, there are fish in both lakes.

Buzzman,

I sent you an email about fishing in this area.

Mike