Packsack – Terrific Fall Lake Fishing Opportunities
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ROCK CLIMBING
Packsack – Terrific Fall Lake & BWCA Fishing Opportunities
Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins is located on Fall Lake, at the edge of the BWCA wilderness, nearest the historic town of Winton, MN – just a few miles northeast of Ely. Fall Lake is a tremendous fishery for walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Fisher people can also find great sunfish and crappie fishing with modest effort. While visiting Packsack, and obtaining the correct permit, you may also portage your boat and motor up into the world-class BWCA fishing destination that is Basswood Lake.
In addition to our cabin rentals and bunkhouse, those drawn to BWCA fishing can rent fishing boats and motors, buy contour maps of Fall Lake and get up-to-date fishing reports from our family and other guests. It is also possible, through Packsack, to get day passes into the BWCA to enter the BWCA and cross over into adjoining lakes for additional fishing. Just ask, we’re here to help.
Please Note: The very northern section of Fall Lake is located in the BWCA wilderness. It is not marked so perfectly that no one can miss it. Those fishing on Fall Lake and not using Packsack boats, should know where the line is, and know that they must have a day permit in their possession if they cross that line. US Forest Service staff will patrol the area and will write citations for those without the proper permit. Pontoons are also not permitted in the Boundary Waters portion of Fall Lake.
Fall Lake walleyes go for leeches or minnows on Lindy Rigs, jigs tipped with minnows, deep running crank baits and will occasionally hit spoons and spinners. Fall Lake smallmouth bass will hit all the same rigs, but with a vengeance that is likely to make your eyes go wide open. Fall Lake northern pike will hit all the same things, but also like spoons, sucker minnows and really chase the spinner baits.
As the water in Fall Lake, like lakes throughout the region, has a light stain from the tannins in area bogs (think of a very weak tea), the water is clean and clear. However, the brighter colored baits generally perform better in this water than in lakes that do not have bog stain.
BWCA Smallmouth Bass caught using a Fly Rod
Whooper Pike Shared by great friends
A quick limit of Walleye for this Packsack MVP
Giant Basswood Lake Pike, catch and Release
True BWCA Trophy, caught in Basswood Lake
Gagger of a Pike Caught and released on Basswood lake
