Question:

Can/Do the canoe outfitters reserve a certain number of permits for their guests in the name of the resort each year or do they need a name of each guest ahead of time when they reserve?

Thanks,

The user must reserve the permit. Resorts and outfitters can assist you with this process and can issue the permit upon your arrival. They can also find unused permits for spur of the momemt trips.


http://www.bwcaw.org/

WHat he said.....

Each camper is responsible for their own permit. Any good outfitter will help you in the process, but doing it yourself online is very foolproof.

Thanks, you answered my question.

I didn't know if the outfitters might have an extra permit or two. Was hoping to do an impromptu day trip to Basswood sometime later this summer but didn't make a reservation this winter when I made my other BW permits, and as we know the Moose permits go right away.

Steve

Call the Forest Service Station in Ely everyday because people will cancel.

Thanks Down Deep, I never thought of that one.

Steve

When I'm looking for a late permit, I keep my eye on the Reserveamerica website. Then, I order online as soon as something opens up that I want. That's how the outfitters do it when they're looking for a permit. It's been my experience that you'll have more luck ordering online than phoning and talking to a reserveamerica receptionist/phone person. Case in point. A week ago I saw a permit open up that I wanted and called the reserveamerica number. As I was talking to the gal on the other end of the line, I was watching my computer screen. I asked for the permit and she insisted that none were available. I told her it was there on my screen right now and that I was looking at it and she still insisted that it wasn't there and she couldn't help me. I hung up and ordered it online and got it without a problem. I'd have to think they'd be looking at the same screen that I am but maybe not. Another time I needed to get up to Pipestone and basically the same conversation. She did have some available for the 4-mile however. I didn't need to go that badly, hung up and ordered online and got my permit through Newton. Just a note, ReserveAmerica is NOT the Forest Service and is contracted by the Forest Service to take care of reservations.

If you want to get into Basswood, personally I wouldnt worry about it. We got a permit out of Moose for a weekend in late August only reserving it a month in advance.

People are so worried about getting permits. I rarely have a group together soon enough to reserve permits in the winter. If you have some flexibility on entry points and + or - 1 day on when you go in you should not have much trouble getting a permit only a month or two in advance.

If you still cant get your permit doing that odds are you dont even want to go out in that area anyway since its too crowded to begin with.

This is getting off the originial topic a bit. I see they did eliminate the Moose Lake to Canada option and the Moose and beyond option for day use.

Now there is Moose-Newfound-Sucker Only and Moose-BW via Prairie portage. What if a guy wanted to go beyond Sucker but not across Prairie Portage, such as going to Birch, Carp, Knife, or Ensign for a day trip? Are you forced to get a camping permit then?

Steve

You can fill out a day permit at the entry point, and go were ever you want. These permits are also free.

I assume you know that four of the lakes you mentioned are paddle only.

Day use permits can be obtained at each entry point for paddle only and yes they are free. However, day use motor permits are 12 bucks and Basswood permits are very difficult to obtain.

Are the quotas applicable to the day use paddle only permits?

At this time there is no quota on day use paddle-only.