BWCA's Basswood--Land of the Giants!

I had paddled across this lake dozens of times on my way into and out of the Quetico interior, but never took the time to fish on it. Then, out of necessity for an easy trip for an elderly partner, I staged a BWCA trip into this lake. Basswood is legendary when it comes to lakes in canoe country. It not only produced many state record gamefish over the years, but it also hosts the oldest registered white cedar in North America. This lake is amazingly fertile and the rewards are many for the fisherman, which I was shocked to discover. In a week of basecampjng we caught a lots of fish but a handful of bass were in the five pound range with one close to six! This in addition to a big northern. . , and all the while just trolling deep diving lures in about 14-24' of water, preferably over isolated structure. And to think it occurred on bright, sunny, bug-less September days. . ! And only a half hours paddle from the drop-off at the boundary of the motor-restricted zone. This is the best bang for the buck in terms of fishing ROI in the BWCA!