Hi All! Am planning a trip in early June, going into Mudro Lake. Probably setting up base camp on either Fourtown Lake or Horse Lake & taking day trips elsewhere. Any suggestions on good camp sites on either of these lakes (We prefer sites on the points) & also good walleye fishing on either of these lakes or surrounding lakes? Any help is appreciated. I am itching to go & can't wait!!!

I base camped three days on east shore of Horse Lake located on north side of Horse River. Site is on a small penninsula. Great views all around, plenty of space. Had both beaver & otter walk past campfire since it is a shortcut to cross penninsula rather that swim all the way around it. It was a virual animal highway. At 2am on first night of solo trip a beaver tripped over my tent rope, scared the heck out of me. Very easy day trip to Basswood falls.

Thanks for the info Ponchartrain! Last year we base camped on Shell Lake & also had alot of wildlife right around our camp. The Beaver were walking up on our camp shore as well & we also saw a Moose & her baby across the lake on one of the islands. One of the many reasons I do love the BWCA is because of all the wildlife.
Still wondering about fishing on Horse or Fourtown Lake?
Also wondering about the parking at Mudro Lake entry? I understand there is a fee that we pay to the Chain Sisters Saloon? How do we go about taking care of that? Also, we will be heading in very early (around 5:00 A.M.)Can we take care of the parking fees the night before?

I'm not a big fisherman, although I've read on the canoecountry.com bulletinboard that fishing on Fourtown is very good and Hourse not bad. I suggest doing a keyword search of that site.

Chainsaw Sisters is an excellent place to park. Even in late September there are plenty of cars around and people, which in my opinion discourages vandals. Rates for the past couple of years is $2.50/day. If you arrive early, they have a box near the front door to deposit your money and fill out a parking sticker. Two friendly dogs are usually around to greet you. They have a small website which states they have a bunkhouse if you want a really early departure.

Plan on a cold one at the saloon on your return. It makes makes the 30 min drive back to Ely more relaxing.

Enjoy your trip. I plan to enter S. Hegman and exit mudro in late Sep.

When you go into the Mudro lot, if you are there earlier than the Chainsaw Sisters are open, just take care of it when you get back. If you want, leave a note in the car window saying you will.

If you like more solitude and moose coming down near camp, try camping on the northern side of Fourtown, just down from the Moosecamp River.

There is also good walleye fishing on the northern side of the larger island in the middle of Fourtown.

Listen at night, there is an excellent chance you will be able to hear the wolves howl as there is a large pack near Boot Lake.

Have a good time!