What You'll Find at Basswood Lake

Basswood Lake is a large, deep water body straddling the Minnesota-Ontario border in the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The lake runs roughly 8 miles long and holds walleye, northern pike, and lake trout in its cold, clear water. The walleye bite here is strongest in spring and fall, when fish move into shallower structure; pike roam the weed beds and rocky points year-round. The lake's size and depth mean you can find fish in different zones depending on the season and time of day.

Access comes through Ely, about 20 miles away, via the Echo Trail or by paddling from Fall Lake. Most anglers reach Basswood by canoe or motorboat from the south end, where the Basswood River enters. The north end connects to Crooked Lake and the Canadian side, so you'll see both Minnesota and Ontario anglers working the same water. The lake's character changes with the seasons—spring brings aggressive feeding, summer requires deeper presentations, and fall offers another strong bite window before ice-up.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) when fish move into 8 to 15 feet of water near rocky structure and drop-offs.
  • Northern pike are present year-round and respond well to live bait and large crankbaits around weed beds, especially on the lake's western shoreline.
  • You need a Minnesota fishing license to fish the Minnesota side and an Ontario license for the Canadian portion; the border runs through the middle of the lake.
  • Basswood is a large, deep lake where depth finders and GPS mapping are valuable tools for locating structure and staying oriented.
  • The lake sits within the Boundary Waters, so motorboat use is restricted to certain zones; check current regulations before launching.

Spring Walleye Fishing (April Through May)

Spring is when Basswood's walleye bite turns on. Fish move out of deep winter holes and into the shallower flats and rocky points as water temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s. Focus on the south end of the lake where the Basswood River enters—this area warms first and holds hungry walleye. The rocky shoreline on the east side also holds fish, especially where boulders drop into 10 to 15 feet of water.

Live bait works best in spring: shiners, chubs, or crawfish under a slip bobber in 8 to 12 feet of water, or jigged on the bottom with a minnow head. Jig colors that work include white, chartreuse, and natural patterns. Work the structure slowly; walleye are not aggressive yet, and a bait that sits still longer than one that moves fast will draw more strikes. Early morning and evening produce better than midday, though overcast days can extend the bite all day.

Summer Presentations for Deeper Water

By June, walleye retreat to deeper structure as the lake warms. The main basin of Basswood holds fish in 25 to 40 feet of water during the day, though they move shallower at dawn and dusk. Vertical jigging with live bait or soft plastics becomes the primary technique. Drop your jig straight down along drop-offs and rocky humps, work it with short hops, and stay in contact with the bottom.

Crankbaits that reach 15 to 20 feet can work during low-light periods, especially crawdad patterns that imitate the natural forage. Trolling along the deeper edges of structure also produces walleye and pike. The lake's depth means you'll benefit from a good depth finder to locate the structure that holds fish. Summer is slower than spring and fall, but patient anglers working the right depths will find fish.

Fall Bite and Pike Fishing (September Through October)

Fall brings another strong walleye bite as fish move back into shallower water to feed before winter. The same spring techniques work again—live bait under a bobber, jigging rocky points, and working the river mouth. Water temperatures in the 50s trigger aggressive feeding, and you can catch walleye throughout the day, not just at dawn and dusk.

Northern pike are active all season but shine in fall when they feed heavily before ice-up. Pike respond to large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits worked around weed beds and rocky structure. The western shoreline and the area near Crooked Lake hold good pike populations. Live bait—a 6 to 8-inch sucker or shiner—fished under a bobber or on a quick-strike rig also produces pike. Fall is an excellent time to target both species on the same trip.

Boundary Waters Regulations and Access

Basswood Lake sits within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and motorboat use is restricted. The south end and main basin allow motors up to 25 horsepower, but some arms and connected waters are motor-free. Check the current Boundary Waters regulations with the Superior National Forest before launching; rules can change, and violations carry fines.

You must have a Minnesota fishing license to fish the Minnesota side of the lake. If you cross into Canadian waters (the north end and Crooked Lake), you need an Ontario license. Both are available online or at sporting goods stores in Ely. Boundary Waters permits are required for overnight camping but not for day fishing. Launch from Fall Lake or access via the Echo Trail; parking fills quickly on weekends, especially in summer.

Gear and Tackle for Basswood

A 6 to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound monofilament or braided line handles walleye and pike well. Bring a depth finder or GPS unit—Basswood is large enough that navigation and structure location matter. Live bait rigs, jigs in 1/4 to 1/2-ounce weights, slip bobbers, and a selection of crankbaits cover most situations.

For pike, heavier tackle is optional but helpful. A 7 to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 12 to 15-pound line handles larger fish and reduces break-offs. Bring a net or landing tool; pike can be aggressive at boatside. Polarized sunglasses help you spot structure and fish in the clear water. A map of the lake showing depth contours and structure is invaluable, especially if you're new to Basswood.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for both walleye and pike. Summer fishing is possible but requires deeper presentations and more patience. Winter ice fishing is popular with locals but requires current ice conditions and safety precautions; check with Ely outfitters before heading out.

Basswood is a large lake with variable conditions. Wind can make it rough, especially on the open main basin. Plan for a full day of fishing and bring extra fuel if you're running a motorboat. The lake's size means you can fish different areas depending on wind direction and where fish are holding. Expect to share the water with other anglers, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a Minnesota and Ontario license to fish Basswood Lake?

Only if you fish both sides of the border. The lake straddles the Minnesota-Ontario line, so fish the Minnesota side with a Minnesota license and the Canadian side with an Ontario license. Most anglers stay on one side for the day, but if you cross into Crooked Lake or the north end, you'll need the Ontario license to fish there legally.

What's the best time of year to catch walleye on Basswood?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the strongest periods. Water temperatures in the 40s to 50s trigger active feeding, and fish are in shallower, more accessible water. Summer walleye are deeper and require more effort to locate. Winter ice fishing is also productive but requires safe ice and local knowledge.

Can I use a motorboat on all of Basswood Lake?

Motorboats up to 25 horsepower are allowed on the main basin and south end, but some connected waters and arms are motor-free zones. Check the current Boundary Waters regulations with the Superior National Forest before launching. Rules can change, and it's worth confirming your planned fishing area is open to motors.

What size pike and walleye can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches or more. Northern pike are often 18 to 28 inches, and the lake holds pike over 30 inches. Both species are present in good numbers, so you have a reasonable chance of catching fish if you work the right structure and seasons.

How far is Basswood Lake from Ely?

Basswood is roughly 20 miles from Ely by road, then another 5 to 10 miles by canoe or motorboat depending on your launch point. Most anglers launch from Fall Lake or access via the Echo Trail. Plan for a half-day of travel if you're paddling; motorboat access is faster but requires a launch with adequate parking and facilities.