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Added Value on Fall & Basswood Lakes

What Sets Packsack Canoe Trips Apart in the Boundary Waters

Planning a Boundary Waters canoe, or fishing trip is about more than just reserving gear or booking a cabin — it’s about choosing the right place to start your adventure. Located on Fall Lake, and close to the historic Basswood Lake, Packsack Canoe Trips offers a unique combination of access, experience, and on-site amenities that make BWCA trips smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

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Whether you’re paddling into the wilderness, fishing Basswood’s legendary waters, or staying lakeside before or after your trip, this page highlights the added value that comes with choosing Packsack Canoe Trips.

Photo of sunset over lake, with boat in foreground

Prime Location: Fall Lake & Basswood Lake Access

Fall Lake is one of the most convenient and versatile gateways to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. From our location, paddlers and anglers enjoy quick access to:

  • Basswood Lake (via Fall Lake Entry Point)

  • Motor-assisted access to motorized zones where permitted

  • Popular BWCA routes, day trips, and fishing areas

  • Easy logistics for entry point transport and towing services

This location makes Packsack an ideal basecamp for families, anglers, nonprofit groups, and self-guided paddlers who want flexibility without sacrificing wilderness access.

Most Recommended for Boundary Waters Trips

Guests consistently choose Packsack Canoe Trips for reasons that go beyond pricing:

  • Family-owned and operated with deep roots in the Boundary Waters

  • On-site support before and after your trip

  • Clear, honest guidance for self-guided BWCA travel

  • Lakeside amenities that simplify trip logistics

  • Convenient access to Ely, Fall Lake, and Basswood Lake

Many of our guests return year after year because they value experience, transparency, and location — not upsells or unnecessary add-ons.

Added Amenities for Paddlers & Anglers

All guests staying with us or outfitting through Packsack benefit from amenities designed specifically for Boundary Waters travelers:

  • Lakeside fish cleaning house for Basswood and Fall Lake catches

  • Shared fire pit overlooking the lake — perfect for evenings after a day on the water

  • Gear staging areas for loading, unloading, and organizing packs

  • Bunkhouse lodging for paddlers entering or exiting the BWCA

  • Easy access to boat & motor rentals for Fall and Basswood Lakes

These amenities reduce stress on travel days and allow you to focus on the experience, not the logistics.

Best Fishing on Fall & Basswood Lakes

Fall Lake and Basswood Lake are well known for producing excellent fishing throughout the season, including:

  • Smallmouth bass

  • Walleye

  • Northern pike

  • Lake trout (seasonal)

Basswood Lake, in particular, is considered one of the premier smallmouth bass fisheries in the Boundary Waters, while Fall Lake offers easy-access fishing close to Ely.

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Whether you’re planning a dedicated fishing trip or adding angling to your canoe route, our location gives you the flexibility to do both.

Most Recommended Fishing Gear for the Boundary Waters

Choosing the right gear matters in the BWCA. Based on decades of experience on Fall and Basswood Lakes, we recommend the following essentials for Boundary Waters fishing trips:

Rods & Reels

  • Medium-light to medium-action spinning rods (6’6”–7’)

  • Quality spinning reels with smooth drag systems

Lures & Tackle

  • Tube jigs and soft plastics for smallmouth bass

  • Jigs and live bait rigs for walleye

  • Spinnerbaits and spoons for northern pike

  • Topwater lures for early morning and evening bass action

Line

  • 6–10 lb monofilament or braided line with a fluorocarbon leader

  • Braided line preferred for bass fishing around rocky shorelines

Other Essentials

  • Needle-nose pliers and line cutters

  • Compact tackle trays

  • Polarized sunglasses

  • Lightweight landing net (optional but helpful)

Our lodge store carries a selection of fishing gear and last-minute essentials, making it easy to fill gaps before heading out.

A Resort With Deep Boundary Waters History

Packsack’s connection to the Boundary Waters runs deep. Our original cabins were once located along Pipestone Falls inside what is now the BWCA. Following the Wilderness Act of 1964, the cabins were relocated to their current home on Fall Lake — preserving both the spirit of the wilderness and a long-standing family tradition.

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That history continues today through a commitment to self-guided travel, conservation, and helping guests experience the Boundary Waters the right way.

Supporting Self-Guided Boundary Waters Trips

We do not offer guided trips. Instead, we specialize in supporting self-guided BWCA canoe trips by providing:

  • Reliable outfitting options

  • Honest route and entry point advice

  • Local knowledge of Fall and Basswood Lakes

  • Knowledge of all Ely, Minnesota BWCA entry points

  • Clear expectations for wilderness travel

Our goal is to help you travel confidently, responsibly, and independently.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Whether you’re planning a canoe trip into the Boundary Waters, a fishing-focused stay on Basswood Lake, or a relaxing lakeside cabin experience on Fall Lake, Packsack Canoe Trips offers the access, experience, and amenities to make it happen.

Explore our outfitting, cabins, transport services, or contact us with questions — we’re always happy to help you plan your Boundary Waters adventure.

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