Timber Trail Lodge & Outfitters is a full-service fishing resort with direct access to four lakes, which include both motorized and paddle-only portions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We offer our guests an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of Minnesota’s finest fishing opportunities. With over 11,000 aces of water to explore right from your dock you and your family will find an endless opportunity to catch walleye, bass, northern pike, crappie and pan fish. We have the finest guide services available in Ely. Our guides are available for not only guiding on our chain of lakes, but also a variety of wilderness guided fishing trips.

We have everything a fisherman needs for our chain of lakes and the surrounding area: bait, tackle, gas, boats, motors, canoes, fish cleaning house, freezers, veteran guides and excellent advice. We are a full-service fishing resort with direct access to four lakes, which includes both motorized and paddle-only portions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

The Chain Of Lakes

Timber Trail Lodge is located on a chain of 4 interconnected lakes. We have 11,000 acres of water to fish right outside our front doors. The chain includes Farm Lake, Garden Lake, White Iron Lake and South Farm Lake (which is in the Boundary Waters). All are accessible by motorboat, but South Farm Lake is restricted to a limit of no more than a 25 HP motor with a motor permit that we can provide with notice.

To view or download a printable pdf of Farm Lake, White Iron Lake, and Garden Lake, simply click on the images below.

Fishing In Northern Minnesota

Many Ely vacationers enjoy the northwoods waters for their angling opportunities. Known for its walleye, northern pike, small and largemouth bass and slab size panfish, Ely’s waters can be extra productive with the help of one of our fishing guides. Our guided trips are designed to put you directly over some of northern Minnesota’s best producing waters and fishing holes. Our guides will tell you which bait and lures will work, and how to use them effectively. Fish all day, only breaking for a delicious shore lunch of the morning’s catch prepared by your guide. Don’t let this fishing opportunity escape you. When fishing with a guide, your chance of landing more and bigger fish is greatly increased.

What to Bring:

✓ Tackle, rods and reels
✓ Rain gear
✓ Beverages**
✓ Camera
✓ Sun screen
✓ Bug repellent
✓ Sunglasses (polarized)
✓ Waterproof boots, sandals or shoes that can get wet if portaging.

* Minnesota Fishing Licenses are available in our lodge, or can be purchased online through the Minnesota DNR (Minnesota DNR Online Fishing Licenses). Licenses are also available at many of the area bait shops and gas stations.

** If in the BWCA, plastic containers only. No glass bottles or aluminum cans, this is a Boundary Waters Canoe Area regulation. This regulation does not apply to Farm Lake, White Iron Lake and Garden Lake.

Basswood Lake and BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) trips need to pack smaller, lighter tackle boxes and gear for room in boat and weight.

For tackle, bait and fishing suggestions please visit our Fishing Tackle Suggestions Page.