I'm heading up to the nort' country with my wife to pick up a canoe that I purchased this weekend in Ely. We decided we might as well take the boat out since we will be up there for a couple days. Currently, I'm trying to determine whether or not to camp (looks to be pretty chilly) or not, but in the event we decide to car camp and do day trips, what would you recommend as a good entry lake or border lake to hit that has some good big pike potential?

Sounds like it may be a good time of the year to pick up the pike based on all the current and past posts I'm reading up on.

I was thinking of maybe scoping out Fall Lake and Newton. Thoughts?

I would keep going and head to Basswood. Jackfish Bay might be a good place to look for a big jack.

QM - Considered this but we are only there for two nights. At most I would consider hitting the south part of Pipestone. I'm up for anything. There is something about day trips too and ending the day with a cold craft beer at the Boathouse.

Since you're only out for two days, I would suggest Seagull Lake off the Gunflint Trail. Entry point lake with a very good fishery. Grab either site #455 or #448 - both great sites for shore fishing. From the landing to site #448, you should ba able to have camp set up within about 2.5 hours.