I'm considering a Granite River trip for early June, 5-6 days (EP 57 up to Sag). It seems to get a lot of good reports for smallmouth and northern fishing which is what we're after.

I'm curious about day trip options if we were to base camp on Maraboeuf for 3-4 nights. Are there enough options to explore without going into Canada? For example, is there a way to get into Morris Lake? Reward? Shadow? Prayer? Ambush? Tepee? We're always looking for ways to get off the beaten path with the hopes of spotting a bear or a moose. We also wouldn't consider ourselves newbies and maybe this route is too newbie?

Any advice from someone who has been in this spot? Or maybe someone has a better option for our group looking for bass, northern, bear, and moose?

Andy

I did the Granite River Route with my Girlfriend in August. Can’t really help with bushwhacking but we loved the route. Only a couple moderate portages. Since it was August and hot fishing was not great but the blueberries were. Caught a few bass and walleyes. Wish I had more campsite and fishing intel when we hit Big Sag. We took a subpar campsite in a bay of Sag for our last night but it was secluded and out of the motor traffic. All in all a pleasant trip with decent campsites, nice scenery, rapids, and waterfalls. We did it in 4 nights which included a layover day. I would do it again.

I made this trip from Gunflint Lk to Sag and back in 1976 and found it to be scenic, enjoyable and not too difficult. I have often thought I should do it again.

You might want to check out the Tumblehome podcast episode on the Granite River. Very good advice from Erik and Adam on that episode.

AndyEck84: "Are there enough options to explore without going into Canada? "

I'm not exactly sure what you're implying with this statement, but crossing the border without proper paperwork, etc. and properly reporting back into the US upon your return is highly frowned upon by the Customs and Border Patrol of both countries. You could find yourself in a situation where fines are imposed or worse.

Virtually the entire trip on the Granite River will have you paddling border waters where you'll see international markers. Paddling the border waters is legal. Stepping onto Canadian soil is a not allowed.

If you don't have the proper paperwork, it's best to look for "options to explore" on the American side.