Hello -

Two summers ago, I took my dad, my two boys, brother in law and his 2 two boys on a BWCA trip into Ensign lake. We had an AMAZING time. It was everyone’s but my first time to the BWCA and it was a huge success! My dad, who loved the trip, wants to go back to the area, but unfortunately camping, canoeing and portaging are not in the cards anymore because of physical limitations.

So I'd like to find a great lodge/resort in the Ely area that would be on a motor use lake. Fishing is why we would be going, so looking for somewhere that is a good fishing lake/chain. Our plan would be to rent a couple boats for 3 days, and likely go out with a guide on one day as well.

I was at the Sportsman's show in Minneapolis over the weekend and talked with someone from Deer Ridge Resort on Garden Lake. This seemed like the kind of place that we are looking for, but I don't know anything about Garden Lake or the White Iron chain.

I greatly appreciate the help and if there is more info needed to make a solid recommendation, please let me know.

Thanks!

Both White Iron and Fall lake are easy to fish.

We took a family trip around labor day a few years back with the same goals in mind. Have a home base to sleep and eat at and then fish or head into town or explore parks or the mine and such. We stayed on White Iron after doing a fair amount of research but we knew we'd be bringing our fishing boat which is bigger than is allowed in the motor areas of the BWCA. The fishing that time of year was ok...nothing to write home about but we made it work and had fun.

I think if we did it again I'd try Fall or Saganaga or Seagull or something where you could camp out there or come back every day. I don't think the White Iron chain was much different as far as fishing or scenery than really any other northern 1/2 of MN lake. But if Ely has a draw (which it does w/ the wolf and bear centers and museum, etc) then it's fun. Or if some people in your group want to do day trips into the BWCA.

Vermillion would give you a boat load of water to fish with a bigger boat.
On Fall I had my best fishing in the bwca section.

Talk to Pat or Amy at Echo Shores Resort near Ely and they may be able to set you up.

Talk to Pat or Amy at Echo Shores Resort near Ely and they may be able to set you up.

Whoops did it again.

Quite a few resorts on the White Iron chain. Deer Ridge on Garden, Moose Tracks on Farm (board sponsor btw), Silver Rapids and White Iron Beach on White Iron plus others. Of the 4 lakes, I've always had the best luck fishing on White Iron.

JD

Vosburgh's Custom Cabins on Moose lake might work. More individual cabins than a lodge though. Others may have better suggestions for the lodge experience. Enjoy the trip!

Veterans on the Lake (Fall Lake east of Ely)

Packsack Cabins & Outfitter
Fall Lake

These are awesome recommendations! Thanks everyone for the great ideas. I may be a little late in booking as it seems there is not much availability and since we are only going up for 3 days, that also limits options as there are many that only take week long rentals. I've got a couple options, but still looking!

Thanks all!

jdevries: "Quite a few resorts on the White Iron chain. Deer Ridge on Garden, Moose Tracks on Farm (board sponsor btw), Silver Rapids and White Iron Beach on White Iron plus others. Of the 4 lakes, I've always had the best luck fishing on White Iron.


JD"

Same here re; White Iron