I have only done canoe trips in the BWCA, but I am looking to do an overnight motor permit for Basswood lake this year to switch it up a bit. I understand I'll have to get the permit early once the system opens up in late January. It looks like you either go out of Fall Lake and camp around Pipestone/Jackfish Bays or go out out of Moose and camp west of there around Washington Island. I know nothing about Basswood Lake so what are the pros/cons of those 2 routes. I am not sure about time of year but most likely June or July. Any suggestions/comments are welcomed...
Thanks!

If you go Moose through Prairie Portage you wont need portage wheels. Prairie is a truck portage. You can still access Pipestone and Jackfish on a short portage in back bay. You will need portage wheels to do this , it is a short easy portage. If you go Fall to Newton you will need portage wheels. Not to bad of a portage for a light boat and people in good shape. A heavy boat and two people, good luck.

Get your motor permit early. They are very hard to get and with the new system all bets are off. JIM P.

Thanks for the reply Jim, it sounds like both routes would be very doable for our group. Is there any reason that one route might be more favorable than the other? Doing some searches on the messageboard it seems like both routes have very good fishing for walleye and northern pike. Would there be any major differences planning a trip to either side of Basswood? Campsites, fishing, overall experience?

I have no preference in one part of Basswood over another. If I was taking someone to Basswood that hadn't been there before I would go to the Prairie Portage side because of historic sites to see. Like the steam engine, old barge, oldest tree in the state. I don't feel the fishing is any better either side. A few common walleye spots are bellow the falls Pipestone and Prairie Portage, off Caribou Point, off the north shore of the main lake ( south of Washington Island) Lewis Narrows. We have pulled some giant northerns out of that lake. Giant suckers work good, even with a bobber. I have caught many of the pike in the same areas I catch walleye when they are shallow. Also a good spot for northerns are off the islands on the south west side Jackfish bay. Camp off the main routes and it will be quite. Have fun and good luck.

I am just curious how long it takes to get from EP25, Moose to Washington Island using a 25HP motor tow. It looks like a long way. I would have no idea how many paddling hours it would save.

Rs130754: "I am just curious how long it takes to get from EP25, Moose to Washington Island using a 25HP motor tow. It looks like a long way. I would have no idea how many paddling hours it would save."

FWIW my then 15 year old son and I had a Q Basswood River permit, pucked up early, made site overlooking falls about 3:30 to 4:00. Great paddle. I look forward to doing it again.

Depending on the truck portage it shouldn't take you more than an hour.