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walleyevision
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09/08/2017 12:33PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
We just returned from our annual labor day trip and I'm already starting to plan next year's trip. Basswood lake is very intriguing due to the fishing reports, but travel time is what has me concerned. In the motor allowed zones, are there lots of boats? I'd rather not camp in an area where motorboats are allowed, but realize that limits us to traveling all the way to near the border.

We basecamp and do all our portaging/paddling on the first and last days. Is it possible to get to a decent area on Basswood with in 3-5 hours? What bays tend to be the best for fishing? Any other hints or tips on a Basswood trip?

Thanks guys,

WV

PS - I'm assuming Basswood has lakers?
 
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mastertangler
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09/09/2017 08:29AM  
Why not consider the Quetico portion of Basswood? Cross Prairie Portage and you can be in North Bay 1/2 day easy. Set up and catch the evenings dinner all without outboard motor noise. Works for me.
mgraber
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09/10/2017 04:06PM  
quote mastertangler: "Why not consider the Quetico portion of Basswood? Cross Prairie Portage and you can be in North Bay 1/2 day easy. Set up and catch the evenings dinner all without outboard motor noise. Works for me. "


Technically illegal if you go directly there and spend more than a night or two.
You must head directly towards and pass through your entry point lake.
mastertangler
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09/10/2017 07:20PM  
Man, you can't get away with anything these days. I suppose it's for a good reason. If we had a bunch of base campers on basswood eating up all the sites then it would make it hard for those who arrive in the evening or on a windy day.

I really want to do a circumnavigation of Basswood over the course of 3 weeks. The logistics could get complicated but that's fodder for another discussion.
cyclones30
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09/10/2017 09:33PM  
You can put in at Mudro and easily be past the motor portion of jack fish bay by lunch with a good start and any wind direction other than NE. Go wherever you want after that
walleyevision
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09/11/2017 02:26PM  
quote cyclones30: "You can put in at Mudro and easily be past the motor portion of jack fish bay by lunch with a good start and any wind direction other than NE. Go wherever you want after that"


Well this does make things easier. I wasn't sure if you could get to jackfish from Mudro.
Any idea how long the drive is to the Mudro EP from Ely? Is there much motor boat traffic at the end of August?
cyclones30
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09/11/2017 06:32PM  
We did an august trip a few years ago that was a large loop, starting at Mudro and going thru Jackfish Bay and down the basswood river (west) into crooked and out Mudro again. EP is maybe a half hour from Ely. Low water can make the creek at the start a little slow but overall an easy route into Jackfish Bay. I recall seeing 2 boats while in the motor section. Use permit 22 or 23 since you won't be on Horse.
sylvesterii
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09/11/2017 07:44PM  
quote mgraber: "
quote mastertangler: "Why not consider the Quetico portion of Basswood? Cross Prairie Portage and you can be in North Bay 1/2 day easy. Set up and catch the evenings dinner all without outboard motor noise. Works for me. "



Technically illegal if you go directly there and spend more than a night or two.
You must head directly towards and pass through your entry point lake."


Can you expand on this? Why would going to the Quetico portion of Basswood be illegal if you enter through Prairie Portage? (presuming you have a Quetico permit and a Moose permit)
09/11/2017 09:18PM  
quote sylvesterii: "
quote mgraber: "
quote mastertangler: "Why not consider the Quetico portion of Basswood? Cross Prairie Portage and you can be in North Bay 1/2 day easy. Set up and catch the evenings dinner all without outboard motor noise. Works for me. "

Technically illegal if you go directly there and spend more than a night or two.
You must head directly towards and pass through your entry point lake."

Can you expand on this? Why would going to the Quetico portion of Basswood be illegal if you enter through Prairie Portage? (presuming you have a Quetico permit and a Moose permit)"

See the discussion in this thread for an explanation:
Through The Entry Point
heavylunch
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09/12/2017 01:20PM  
I have been on basswood a number of times over the years and have been surprised at how "unbusy" it can be. Especially the middle portion of the lake. The Fall Lake to Pipestone bay to Basswood Falls route would be an exception (aka very busy). I think I can even say that I would take Basswood Lake with the ocassional motor boat over Ensign Lake or Disappointment Lake canoe zoo's anytime.
Guest Paddler
  
09/12/2017 04:56PM  
Go to the west end of the lake and fish and canoe the frog bay area. Hoist and Wind Bay are also good. Back Bay is awesome
 
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