I’m doing my first solo this spring. Fishing for smallmouth will be primary objective. Plan is for the 3rd week in May. After researching on this site I think I’ve got it down to 3 areas.
#1. Enter at #47 Liz and base on Gaskin. I entered here last spring with my Nephew and based on Meeds. Although a fun trip the weather and fishing were horrible. Only 5 bass between us. It was my first time in Gunflint area and I really liked it.

#2. Enter #25 Moose. Get a tow and base on Ashigan. I know this can be a busy area but I’m not really concerned about solitude on my first solo. Good fishing is more important to me.

#3. Enter #23 Mudrow and base on either Fairy or Gun. It’s been hard to find a lot of info on fishing these lakes but it seems like a cool area.

Just looking for opinions to sway me towards 1 lake over the others or totally convince me to add another lake to the list. I know this is early in the season and fishing will largely depend on weather but is my only available time. Thanks

A couple thoughts...I have never fished Gaskin but Vista Lake south of Horseshoe is a very good walleye and smallie lake and a beautiful spot too. If you get the 5 star site on the southern end you will be happy.

The Gun/Fairy area is a really cool area. I loved Fairy Lake, just had a great feel to it but didn't fish it. I have read that it is decent but probably not a fishing destination. Gun is decent as well but it has super clear water, a noticeable difference at the north end of the portage.

Another ideas would include Clearwater to Caribou Lake. Not a long trip at all but Caribou is a very good fishing lake and lots of smallies. Daytrip to Johnson Falls which should be roaring that time of year. Clearwater is a good smallie lake in its own right.

My last thought is perhaps the best idea...a solo friendly trip and lesser travelled area with easy portages and plenty of exploration options. Homer Lake entry to Vern Lake, 2 campsites to choose from. Good fishing on Vern but a paddle up the Vern River is beautiful and easy with lots of good fishing opportunities. Good smallie and walleye fishing. Just a nice area. Trip report below if interested.


Homer to Vern


We stayed on Meeds for a couple nights a few years ago and just nailed the smallies, lots of fish and good size too. They are in there.

Have a great trip.

You want smallies?
Go to Voyager Canoe Outfitters and take a tow to American point.
Head south to South Arm of Knife and/or Knife - and any of the lake in between.
Your arms will be sore from pulling them in.

Thanks Lindy for all the great feedback! I’m definitely leaning towards the Liz/swamp entry. I’m not sure why fishing was so bad on Meeds last spring but boy did we Work for the few fish we got. It seems like Vista is known more as a walleye lake.? I’m not opposed to catching walleye but do not have much experience with them. The Vern lake area does look interesting and easy to get to. Thanks again for the help!

KarlBAndersen1: "You want smallies?
Go to Voyager Canoe Outfitters and take a tow to American point.
Head south to South Arm of Knife and/or Knife - and any of the lake in between.
Your arms will be sore from pulling them in."
Thanks Karl.

Our group talked with John at VNO about this trip last fall as a possible trip for us this fall. It seems to be a lot of big water paddling. I would think bigger lakes would still be pretty cold this early in the spring. Have you ever fished for bass there in mid May?
Thanks for your input!