Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Remote Lake Campsites w/o motor restrictions


Recommended Posts

Long time reader - I finally subscribed to the site! Can anyone offer advice on which lakes in the Ely area offer remote lakeside campsites for boats w/o motor restrictions? Maps that I've studied show both Burntside and Big lakes may have campsites - How is the fall fishing on these lakes? A group of us is going to the area Sept. 29th-Oct. 2nd. Any advice is much appreciated!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Brawler: Cool that you finally signed on. Good to have you here. grin.gif

Unless your heart is set on lakers, Big Lake is a much better bet than Burntside. The fall walleye fishing on Big is very good, and, while there's an entry point on Big for the BWCAW, there are no motor restrictions anywhere on the lake, and there are camp sites.

I'd contact Big Lake Wilderness Lodge or Whispering Pines on the lake to ask about camp sites. The Ely chamber at www.ely.org probably has those resorts' contact numbers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Birch Lake has a lot of campsites, I think 16????????

Also, try Johnson, it has a campsite, but its a small lake.

--Mark

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What size boat are you using? Harris, August and Triangle maybe an option if you don't have a boat that is real big.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Triangle, a fun little portage into that one!

Neat Roller Portage, Very Easy, Walleyes in Triangle too.

--Mark

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Brawler, the key is, what are you fishing for? If it's walleyes, Big is far easier to locate walleyes on than the sprawling Birch Reservoir (Birch is a great walleye fishery, but hard to figure out for a first-timer), and Johnson isn't a big walleye lake, though it and Birch put out their share of crappies, too.

The other factor is access. You mentioned two lakes with drive-to access and campsites that don't require portaging. Do you want to portage or not?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all the feedback guys, much appreciated!

Walleyes are always a favorite, although we wouldn't mind finding some big northers or crappies too. We have gone to the Rainy/Namakan area in the fall for several years and have always done poorly with the walleyes, so I think Big Lake would be a good option if they are easy to find for first-timers. Do the two resorts on Big have a bar/restaurant that we could go "hideout" in if the weather turns nasty?

We have a group of five with a 18ft./150hp and 16ft./50hp, so I'm sure were limited to certain lakes somewhat with the size of our boats.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm also a long time reader and finally subcribed. FishBrawler, you'll have to give us a report after your trip. The past 2 years I've planned trips to camp and fish on Big Lake during MEA weekend but had it canceled because of a family member's health conditions and very cold/wet weather. I've stopped at the lake during ventures up the Echo Trail and have always wanted to give the island campsites a try. smile.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You are out of luck with the bar and restaurant. Neither have one. You would have to make the drive down to the Chain Saw Sisters to enjoy a brew or bring your own and stay in the tent!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The chainsaw sisters seems to be a drive - Big Lake is remote! I guess we'll hope for good weather. Should I talk to the resorts for fishing spots/maps for Big Lake or can anyone offer some general advice? Do the resorts on Big Lake have bait? laugh.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Big Lake is remote, but think of it this way,

When I was in College in Ely, a girl I know from Crane Lake Drove everyday to Ely, to go to college.

All the Way down the Echo and Back!!!!!!

Wow.

Mark

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Bet she shot alot of grouse

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They both carry bait but this time of year you should call them to make sure. I have also gotten small lake maps from each of them for free. I also believe they have larger ones you can purchase. I haven't fished it much this time of year so I can't help you out much there. Fish around the islands. There are some nice drop offs and plenty of structure to try. When you get back give us a report. I own some land on the lake and I am hoping to get up there one or two more times before ice. Good Luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey wannabeinely: Welcome to FM. Good to see you signed up here! grin.gif

Fishbrawler: If you buy bait from one of the resorts, they'll certainly give you some ins on which fishing spots/tactics have been producing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will certianly give the resorts a call for bait and report back after the trip, thanks again stfcatfish and chaffmj! Any smallmouth fishing to be done on Big?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

just got back from big lake yesterday. stayed at lowp, nice cabins and friendly owners. had a guide for half day on monday and in the first 2 hours caught about 10-12 walleyes and 1 small pike then the wind shifted out of the north and not another fish for 3 days. rain windy and cold most of the week.sept weather. nice lake and remote. all fish caught on orange jigs with minnow or piece of crawler

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the report, sam.

Brawler: there are smallies in Big. Size rather than numbers, though. Same fall spots as walleyes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey stfcatfish: thanks for the welcome note smile.gifI really appreciate all of the good info provided on here.

Thanks for the report Sam.

Fish Brawler: Good luck this weekend and I look forward to hearing your report.

I'm excited to give Big Lake a try the next weekend. (unless someone else has a better suggestion) My wife and I are heading up to Ely for our anniversary get away weekend from Oct. 5-8. Getting in late Thursday night and sleeping at the inlaws that night and can't check in at the resort on Bear Island Lake until Friday afternoon so I was thinking of hitting Big Lake Friday morning. The only two lakes I've fished up there are Birch and Bear Island. Wasn't planning on bringing the boat but she said she wants to spend one of the days fishing and the rest hiking, scenic drives, and taking pictures. laugh.gif Can't wait.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I stay up at Timbertrail lodge on farm Lake (a chain of Farm, South Farm, Garden & White Iron). I would guess this time of the year that resorts shouldn't be to crowded. Good walleye, smallie fishing also. We were up there 3rd week in July, I released a 21 3/4" Smallie trolling Shad Raps, and alot of 'eyes doing that. I would guess this would work especially this time of the year up there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just contacted both Wispering Pines and Big Lake Wilderness Lodge - neither have minnows. Any recommendations on which bait shop in Ely has the best quality/selection of bait and a good map of Big Lake? We're expecting to be in the area on Friday around noon.

How are the water levels up there - hope the recent rain helped. Looks like the weather improves as the weekend progresses - I hope that means good fishing! Have the lakes turned over? I think that happens later on in the fall, but I don't know much about it and how much it affects the fishing. confused.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good bait at Great Outdoors. Lucky 7 is open more hours if GO is closed when you come through. Both are mid way through town on Sheridan, GO on the left across the parking lot from Mike's Liquors, L7 on the right a couple more blocks up.

Water is still low. I think shallower lakes are about to turn over, but I haven't been on the water in a month, so I'm not sure.

The Sportsman's Connection book of maps for St. Louis County has just been newly redone, and it has a good map of Big, as well as maps for scads of other lakes, rivers and Lake Superior. I know the Holiday store has them in Ely. That's yet a few more blocks up on the right off Sheridan as you're heading west to east through town.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:

Good bait at Great Outdoors. Lucky 7 is open more hours if GO is closed when you come through. Both are mid way through town on Sheridan, GO on the left across the parking lot from Mike's Liquors, L7 on the right a couple more blocks up.

Water is still low. I think shallower lakes are about to turn over, but I haven't been on the water in a month, so I'm not sure.

The Sportsman's Connection book of maps for St. Louis County has just been newly redone, and it has a good map of Big, as well as maps for scads of other lakes, rivers and Lake Superior. I know the Holiday store has them in Ely. That's yet a few more blocks up on the right off Sheridan as you're heading west to east through town.


Haven't been on the water for a month... you fellin' alright? grin.gif

I enjoyed your article in the TJ about the new SC Map book.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You could call a bait shop named Skubes in Ely. If not you could always stop or call Vado's Hwy 65 & 10 in Spring lake park, and get them in oxygen bags and put them coolers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Casey, I never feel alright when I can't get out fishing for that long. Too much other stuff going on. If I could just quit my job I'd have a lot more time for important things. grin.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.