Next summer, I have two friends flying in from southern California and we're planning to stay at a cabin. Might bring a boat or rent one and will do some day trips. I'd really like to put them on some smallies. They definitely want to stay on the Gunflint. What lake/resort would have the best smallmouth fishing?

Don't know that it's the best smallmouth lake but, we've normally had good success on Clearwater Lake EP #62. The beauty of the lake is unmatched and you could stay @ Historic Clearwater Lodge and also visit nearby Honeymoon bluff.

I’ll gladly share smallmouth info:

Hungry Jack is a great smallmouth lake. No public access so you’d have to talk with Hungry Jack lodge about using their boat launch.

Flour is another good one. Easy access, nice launch for smaller boats.

North is excellent. It’s a bit more of an adventure to get there and requires you to pull your boat up some rapids. It’s pretty easy with a small fishing boat once you have a system.

South is arguably the best smallmouth lake in the BWCA. It’s a long day trip but I’ve done it plenty of times. If you go in through North it is a long way to tow a canoe.

Rose is a great smallmouth lake and an excellent day trip if you want to take a break from the boat and spend one of your days in a canoe.

Rove & Watap were excellent back in the day. Super steep portage on the border route trail from Clearwater.

Little Knife is obviously more than a day trip but most of (if not all) of my smallies over 22” have come from Little Knife.