Our trip got changed like many others due to fire EP closures. Going up to Basswood no motor zone this weekend. Have 8 days, and trying to decide where to spend time: US Point, around the open part of Basswood River, or Jackfish or Pipestone? Any recent updates about how many people are competing for campsites or fishing reports? Not sure if USFS did allow some people on closed EP's to get on full EPs? I am sure some who had the Fall EP's and originally wanted to go into closed areas are now all going to bottle in the Basswood Lake area.

We had a Mudro entry for the 17th but had to switch to Moose. We still went over to Basswood and spent 3 nights there. We did not have an issue with finding a campsite, but it is possible that is shifting. The Scout groups seem to stay east of Basswood so you are not competing with them like you are on Knife, SAK, and Kek.

However, our first day was insanely smoky as we went over to Pipestone Bay. Visibility under a mile. It improved a little the next couple days.

I fished Newton Falls on July 17 and again on the 29th, so just after the initial closure and then again after the larger closure. I really don't have a frame of reference, but I thought both days were insanely busy. On the 17th, we were there for probably 2 1/2 to 3 hours and counted over 30 canoes and boats going by. One other note, we were camping at the Fall Lake campground, it seemed that Thursdays were the busiest days for boat traffic leaving from the boat ramp and heading up towards Basswood.

JD

How did you do on Newton?

I've had my best luck fishing the necked down areas that provided some current.good walleye.

I was on Pipestone and Jackfish a week ago. Seemed about the same as usual. Saturday was busy. There was always open sites.

Thank you all for the feedback. Every bit is appreciated.

bump

Bumping this, as we have a Fall permit and were headed for Crooked. Trying to decide if we keep our dates (09.01-09.11) and just do a different, no portage-style trip (bring coleman stove, chairs, etc.) or just bag it and go to a fishing resort in ontario with our boat. Curious to know what the conditions are on Basswood. We've camped there several times, so aware of what "normal" traffic levels are, so we know it's not peace and seclusion 100% of the time anyway :D

Was quite crowded this past 10 days but minimal smoke.