Basswood, Pipestone Bay help

[MNBIGBEAR]

Hey guys. I think I decided on the Pipestone Bay route for my trip at the beginning of June. Just wondering if you guys can help me out with any information that would be helpful. (fishing info would be awesome!:-))Also, I was wondering if Pipestone is a place you can get back to in a day. And, if the wind decides to try blowing us off the lake do you guys have any suggestions on places to go to get out of the wind. Thanks again guys. MNBIGBEAR

[This message has been edited by MNBIGBEAR (edited 03-30-2004).]

[can it be luck?]

No problem getting to Pipestone in a day. From Fall Lake you have 2 short portages, Newton and Pipestone Falls. Pipestone Falls can be pretty decent at times for fishing. I usually head straight to the entrance to Basswood lake on the N. end of Pipesone. The gaging station and the area just S. of that has a bottleneck which creates current. There's a couple of campsites on the W. shore that I spend most all my time at, 50yds from the campsite is a small island. Deep water and current on one side(E), a shallow flat in front(S), and a small channel of water going around the other side(W).
It's a great place to fish!

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http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck

[MT Net]

We have canoed 6 separate times into Pipestone via Fall Lake Entry. We camped in and around the Caribou Point area, late May, early June. Slip bobbers from shore around 6PM until about a 1/2 hour or so after dark. Island or point areas, set them about 6' to 8' leeches or rainbows.

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LOTW General Member; IBOT #130

[Northlander]

No need to worry about wind. If its to bad for ya there are a lot of campsites to rest at or stay the night. Try the small entry into hidden bay in pipestone at dusk. Slip bobbers for walleye, smally's, Crappie and Northern. Bring jigs, floating jigheads, spinners, slip bobbers, rapalas, some spoons ans split shot and bare hooks. Some real good fishing up there through mid June or so depending on the year.

[BDub]

Fishing early June should be very good right off the Pipestone portage. You can get out of the wind behind the islands.

Caribou Bay will get you out of the wind too.

If the water is high, try taking the short cut through Hidden Bay to Jackfish.

Lewis Narrows is the hotspot for fishing. Nice campsites all around. The ones with the big trees are old resort sites.

Enjoy.

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Conservationists with Common Sense - 'Preserving access to and multiple use of public lands and waters.'

[Walleye #1]

I agree with what many of these guys have to say. Last year I was up there at the similar time that you are going to be and we did very well around Caribou Point, and the entrance to Hidden Bay. Also don't be afraid to try the Louis Narrows and Pipestone Falls. Everyday someone from our group stopped at the falls right away and always picked up some fish. Be ware there are some big northerns swimming in that current. If you want some more info email me and I can get out my trusty map or keep picking the brains of the rest of these guys. They were big factors in me getting to know this part of Basswood. I do reccomend that if you can get down into Jackfish, give it a try. There is some great fishing to be had down in there and I don't think alot of boats go that far.

PS - I reccomend slip bobbers, and last year our number one producer for walleyes seemed to either be a jig and leech or a plan split shot, hook, and a red bead.

Good luck
Tight lines
Walleye #1

[MNBIGBEAR]

Once again, thanks for all the info guys. I am so pupmed for this trip that Im driving my wife nuts talking about it. Do you guys think it is worth trying to get minnows back there or should I just get some leeches and call it good? Also, what size range is typical for this lake as far as the main species. Just curious to know what to expect. Thanks guys! MNBIGBEAR

[can it be luck?]

For that time of year leeches are a prime bait. Slip bobbering in low light periods can be nuts. The small island I mentioned has a site on a small point where the water channels around it. directly in front of the island is a shallower flat(6-10'), slip bobber at those times...You wont be disapointed! Size varied, however many walleye in the 22-26" range were caught. Did I mention bass? Lots of them too!
Have fun on your trip!

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http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck

[MT Net]

Our BWCA canoe trips are the last weekend of May into June, 6 days worth of fishing fun. We bring in leeches and minnows with air in the bags. Shiners won't last. We have always had at least one walleye meal and ate cold fried walleyes on the portage out. Lots of good eater sized fish.

Big northerns out there too!

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LOTW General Member; IBOT #130