Great Walleye and Northern fishing have kept Jim Basara and his gang returning to Gridiron Lake for nearly a decade.

From the cabin on Gridiron, the group can access Sassafras Lake and the Minneapolis, MN resident said the group likes both lakes because the fishing is good (the biggest Walleye the group has reeled in so far is 28 inches.) and is the right size for easy fishing.

"We've been to other lakes in Canada where the lake was 50 miles wide and about 150 miles long. Here, if the weather turns nasty, you can get back to the cabin quickly. Even people we bring up for the first time can figure it out."

Basara and friends have brought their wives and returned to Gridiron as many as three times in one summer.
"Everybody comes home happy."

The eight person, two bedroom cabin has a small beach in front and ice house and with solar lights, stove with oven, refrigerator, cold and hot running water, showers and radio phones, provides all the necessary comforts. Over the years, the continual upgrades to facilities such as the installation of electric water pump to replace a gas pump, has eliminated the need for priming the generator and "it means more time for fishing."

Kashabowie Outposts

"Kashabowie Outposts run a top notch operation. They maintain the facilities and have kept current," said Basara. "I've always been very happy with the level of service."

An easy day's drive, Basara said the group likes to come up the day before departure to Gridiron and stay at the Paddler's Rest Bed and Breakfast, right next to the Kashabowie Outposts hangar.

It's those memories of Gridiron that brighten a long Minnesota winter and keep Basara planning return trips.

"I enjoy the time I spend with my friends in the boat, fishing. We always have a good time."

More on Gridiron Lake

Related posts:

1. Return To Mosher Lake
2. Smallmouth Bass, Walleye OR Northerns!
3. It’s nothing to go out and catch 50 fish.