Hi All. In case we can’t cross the Canadian border, we are looking at BWCAW choices coming in from Moose lake. We are “Here for the fishing”. My portaging will be limited by some knee work done over the winter.

I am looking at either Knife Lake or Basswood. Are they both great for smallmouth and walleye or should I focus my optional planning on one lake in particular?

Thanks in advance!

My Vote: Basswood

May you catch the next record Snake.

Basswood

I would go with Basswood as well. Easier to get into and a ton of great spots to fish. Had good luck on Knife as well, but if going for numbers and possibility of a BIG fish I would go with Basswood.

Basswood

Going through Moose Lake; Basswood is the easiest to get too and better fishing!

Just to add one quick Basswood note: it has a massive population of Cisco (or Tubilee if you will) due to the amount of deep water areas it has). The food per acre is much higher and the walleye at times will use the type of forage, especially larger ones. Smallies have a larger crayfish base as well. Knife is great to canoe in, but Basswood for fishing to be sure.

Go to Knife. To many boats on Basswood. Motor noise in Basswood will drive you bonkers. Basswood east and Basswood west are 2 different fisheries.

Yup. I know what I am getting into with the boat noise. We have stayed there at the end of some longer trips before heading home. Not the wilderness experience you get in most areas of the park. Thanks for the reminder. It is a consideration.

CatchNRelease: "Hi All. In case we can’t cross the Canadian border, we are looking at BWCAW choices coming in from Moose lake...."

CatchNRelease, get question/conversation starter! My group is thinking along the same lines. Based on replies, we'll have to consider Basswood. Anyone know if there are lake trout in Basswood?

ps. Welcome to the Board!

bobbernumber3: "

CatchNRelease: "Hi All. In case we can’t cross the Canadian border, we are looking at BWCAW choices coming in from Moose lake...."

CatchNRelease, get question/conversation starter! My group is thinking along the same lines. Based on replies, we'll have to consider Basswood. Anyone know if there are lake trout in Basswood?


ps. Welcome to the Board!"

Only in North bay from what I have seen and heard.

Knife and Basswood both have lake trout. Go to minnesota lakefinder and check surveys. That would give you the best info.

AmarilloJim: "

bobbernumber3: "

CatchNRelease: "Hi All. In case we can’t cross the Canadian border, we are looking at BWCAW choices coming in from Moose lake...."

CatchNRelease, get question/conversation starter! My group is thinking along the same lines. Based on replies, we'll have to consider Basswood. Anyone know if there are lake trout in Basswood?



ps. Welcome to the Board!"

Only in North bay from what I have seen and heard."

Saw a big one come out of Sunday Bay last year.

bobbernumber3: "

CatchNRelease: "Hi All. In case we can’t cross the Canadian border, we are looking at BWCAW choices coming in from Moose lake...."

CatchNRelease, get question/conversation starter! My group is thinking along the same lines. Based on replies, we'll have to consider Basswood. Anyone know if there are lake trout in Basswood?


ps. Welcome to the Board!"

Basswood is a very good trout lake , most trips that's what we target. I would take Basswood over Knife for walleye and pike also.

Doesn't knife eventually connect down to Basswood? So whatever was in there could in theory be in Basswood too?

Psst....
Ill6 be in one of those boats....
Abet with a quiet 4 stroke merc.

I prefer Knife.