Thinking about a mid June trip for my second ever trip. Went out of EP24, Fall Lake last year. Learned a lot on that first trip and plan on making changes to our load out. We would like to be doing quite a bit of fishing as well as enjoying the solitude. I wouldn't mind smaller water or a river. Probably be just two of us. My partner this year wants to try for a motor permit, not my first choice but would consider it. Let me hear your thoughts on the following.

Fall Lake #24 (been here somewhat familiar with area)

Little Gabbro area #32/#33

Moose Lake #25 with tow

Others?:

A tow up Moose Lake to the Indian Portage which set you up to easily reach the South Arm of Knife and/or one of several good fishing lakes in that vicinity. After the drop off, you'll have Carp Portage and then 4 short portages (except for that last 88r) into Knife. Then it's just a paddle up Knife to wherever you set up camp. Ester/Hanson would be reachable for example. Your options are fairly open. Are you targeting lakers, walleyes, bass or pike (or all of the above)? That may narrow down where you want to be at the end of day 1 and help with the decision-making.

Are you targeting lakers, walleyes, bass or pike (or all of the above)? That may narrow down where you want to be at the end of day 1 and help with the decision-making."

I would like to get on Walleye, never caught a laker. I have pretty good luck with SM and Northern can't be avoided. I am pretty open for trip length as well. Knife sounds like it has a lot to offer.

Knife is awesome. There are a lot of options around there for fishing and scenery. Up near Cherry and Ottertrack the elevation makes for striking views. Eddy Falls at the end of SAK is a must-see if you get down there. I have heard the Kek Ponds are a blast, with a high chance to see some wildlife like beavers or moose. Knife and NAK/SAK (still Knife) are grand slam lakes and are a great choice for a fishing-focused base camp. The trip into Knife is great and the portages aren't too difficult at all, as well. I highly recommend the Knife area whether you want to go for 4 days or 10 days.

Here is my trip report from my 2018 trip to Cherry.