Hi All,

Have been a lurker on the site for a long time. Finally am putting together a trip for this summer. Wife and son are coming along for a 3-4 day camp. I have it narrowed down to EP 68 Pine Lake or EP 26 Wood lake. We will base camp and then maybe explore what is around us, fish and swim and just relax. I like Pine lake because of the falls there and ease of getting to camp. Then there is the other lake, Wood. It doesn't look to be too difficult to get to either, although there is a decent portage to get to the lake initially. It seems the fishing there is better, which is an important factor. My wife used to camp alot when she was a kid but has not for some time. My son is 5 and has camped with me many times. Any thoughts on which lake would be better? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
Joe

Welcome to the site.Don't know much about Pine or Wood lakes but I'm sure someone will help you out.

Pine lake is nothing short of spectacular. It really has alot to offer and is easy to get to. However this is tempered by the fact that wind can be very troublesome on that long east/west lake. But if you keep your travels to early in the day, close to shore, you should be able to negate most of its effects most of the time. Be prepared to have a layover day. But, even with that consideration, I'd still give Pine lake my vote.

If you'd like to read more? Prisoners on Pine.

Thanks for the info, and nice write up on your trip to Pine. I think I will be happy no matter how I choose! Just want to expose the family to this place and have a great time. One thing I really like about Pine is the falls that you can hike to, I am sure my wife will love seeing those.

Welcome Joe, I just found this site last year myself.

I camped one night on Wood last year. Seems like a nice smaller lake- don't need to worry about wind too much as there are a number of protected bays. Fished it the first evening and the next morning. Caught some walleyes and perch. Had to fish pretty hard to find the walleyes but the timing was September with a cold front (not the best for walleye action).

The portage is all downhill from the parking lot. Easy walking and a wide trail.

The Entry Point parking lot is only about 15 minutes from Ely. That could be a benefit if you came up the day before and wanted to hang out in Ely.

I've been on both several times. Wood Lake is "just a lake", but it would be a good intro to anyone willing to basecamp. Good walleye and northern fishing, and the possibility of daytrips to other lakes.

Pine is big and spectacular. Easy to be windbound...travel early in the day. The falls are great. Not many campsites in the area, and the entry from Bearskin allows easy access to Caribou and the west end of Pine. If you camp on Pine, you will feel all alone.