We have a group of 7 leaving out of Fall Lake, May 15-21, 2019 would like to base camp at either Pipestone Bay or Jackfish. Looking for ideas on some of the best campsites in those two areas i hear lewis narrows is great for our group size? Also interested in some well known walleye/Pike hot spots (or should we just stick to areas with moving water). What are some must-have items everyone brings with them on a base camp trip? Thank you in advance.

We've been going up to Basswood for several years. Some of the best campsites are located in and around Lewis Narrows. On Pipestone, campsite numbers 1566,1589,1564, and 1562 would handle your group just fine. On Jackfish, campsite numbers 1569,1575,and 1581 would work fine. Campsite 1599 back towards Caribou point and northeast of New York island is a nice island site. It might be tough to find one of those sites vacant, especially around the narrows.
Personally, I would try to stay around the narrows so you are central to working Pipestone and Jackfish.

It's no secret that Lewis Narrows can produce for walleye. Considering the time frame you are going, the narrows will probably look like a parking lot. Anyone would be able to figure out that's a hot spot. Although we don't target pike, it's also no secret that Jackfish supposedly has large pike. I'll leave it up to you to find the rest of your hot spots, which is part of the fun anyway.

Must have items........ - lightweight camp chair, head lamp, good sleeping pad, and a QUALITY rain suit to name a few. Although not a "must have" item, a few beers at the end of the day tastes good up there.

Hope that helps.

Lewis narrows can be busy with boat traffic. If you can live with that there are couple of nice spots there. 1564 has big Pines and is open, 2 cabins were on this site pre bwca. 1562 on the point is more wooded, it had 3 cabins pre bwca. There are some old cabin artifacts to be found. I think 1564 is the nicer site. I agree with Meado on hot spots. Also you might try below pipestone falls. Big pike can also be found around the islands on the far sw side of Jackfish bay. I like giant suckers for pike. If camped in Lewis narrows throw a giant sucker out on a bobber and fish from camp. Good luck! JIM P.