So I'm planning a trip with my two sons (21 and 18) for late June and want to catch/eat some fish. We fish alot in south Texas (largemouth bass and inshoe saltwater tournaments), but have no experience in the BWCA. We have not selected an area for our trip yet and want to know where is best for catching fish that time of year? East or west side? What type of lakes should we target? Species of fish? Not looking for your honey holes, just some sound guidance to help us narrow down which route to take. Thanks!

Sounds like you are used to fishing shallow. That being said I would look at the west side. More walleye, SMB and northern waters. Learn the 5 fillet method of cleaning northerns.

That's good. Deep points and submerged humps also hold largemouth bass in June. Points and humps tend to get better as June burns toward July. A 5/16-ounce jig in the soft-craw color with a matching crawfish imitating trailer works extremely well. Slowly crawl the jig down the point until you hit bass.

Omg Alexa!! Can I get your autograph? I didn't know you fished or went to bwca! Awesome!

FindHim: "So I'm planning a trip with my two sons (21 and 18) for late June and want to catch/eat some fish. We fish alot in south Texas (largemouth bass and inshoe saltwater tournaments), but have no experience in the BWCA. We have not selected an area for our trip yet and want to know where is best for catching fish that time of year? East or west side? What type of lakes should we target? Species of fish? Not looking for your honey holes, just some sound guidance to help us narrow down which route to take. Thanks!"

In order to help you more effectively this forum would need to know a lot more information from you. Towards the end of June fish are starting to slide deeper in the lakes. We mainly target Smallmouth bass and Walleye on our trips. We have taken a few trips towards the end of June. I have taken around 20 trips with a close to 50/50 split on East side (Gunflint) and Westside (Ely).

My further questions for you would be:
- How far are you willing to paddle/ portage?
-Are you going to plan on bringing in live bait or just fish lures and artificial spinners, plastics, etc?
- How many days are you planning to go?
-Are you comfortable on big waters in canoes or want to stick to smaller lakes?
- Will you have a depth finder of any kind to find structure/ depth?

There are a lot of factors at play (weather, temperature, pressure) but I would say late June you will find fish in 10-20 feet of water around transition areas to deeper water. Rock bars, rocky points, reefs, pinch points, islands would be places I would start. If you can find structure at those depths I would guess you could find fish. In the evening walleye and bass will come more shallow to feed as it cools off. I would do a lot of slip bobber fishing and lindy rigging to find fish with leeches but if you are not bringing live bait I would go with a ned rig/ jig and plastic combo or texas rigged plastics of any kind.


Below are some Smallies we caught mid-June this year. I'd say we caught around 250 Smallies and 150 walleyes on our trip.

Thanks for the advice...so here are the answers:

- How far are you willing to paddle/ portage?
We do not mind paddling a while and taking some longer portages. In fact, we would like to find some solitude.

-Are you going to plan on bringing in live bait or just fish lures and artificial spinners, plastics, etc?
Planning to fish with all artificial.

- How many days are you planning to go?
We are looking at spending 4-5 nights out.

-Are you comfortable on big waters in canoes or want to stick to smaller lakes?
We are comfortable with big water.

- Will you have a depth finder of any kind to find structure/ depth?
We do not plan on having a depth finder along.

We could push our trip into early July if that's better for fishing. As of right now, catching fish in some relative solitude is my boys' number one goal, so we are trying to base our route off this information. Thanks again for the help!!

FindHim: "Thanks for the advice...so here are the answers:

- How far are you willing to paddle/ portage?
We do not mind paddling a while and taking some longer portages. In fact, we would like to find some solitude.
-Are you going to plan on bringing in live bait or just fish lures and artificial spinners, plastics, etc?
Planning to fish with all artificial.
- How many days are you planning to go?
We are looking at spending 4-5 nights out.
-Are you comfortable on big waters in canoes or want to stick to smaller lakes?
We are comfortable with big water.
- Will you have a depth finder of any kind to find structure/ depth?
We do not plan on having a depth finder along.
We could push our trip into early July if that's better for fishing. As of right now, catching fish in some relative solitude is my boys' number one goal, so we are trying to base our route off this information. Thanks again for the help!! "

That is beneficial for being able to give you more accurate and helpful advice. This is just my opinion so take from it what you would like. I think the last week of May or first week of June is my favorite time to fish the BWCA (best fishing time in my opinion. I would stick with late June or as early as you can go in June opposed to pushing it back at all.

If I was going late June I would probably pretty much exclusively be fishing jigs or texas rigged plastics, twister tails, flukes, crayfish, ned rigs. Casting jigs, dragging jigs, etc. I would probably try trolling crankbaits a little bit too.

We went mid-June to Knife Lake this year. If you want in depth information as to fishing techniques, lure choice, etc that we used you can view the trip report I wrote up on this website forum under the "trip report" thread. I would think that would be helpful for you. We did use leeches a lot so that is one drawback for you. I love Knife Lake but that's probably a little far in for the 5 days you have to work with.

WEST side: Out of Ely I would suggest EP 14 (head to Loon Lake more solitude and bigger fish) other direction could be crowded, 22/23 crowded in places closer to the EP but can find solitude and good fishing either direction you go if you venture out some. Basswood is big water but superb fishing, or EP 27.

East side: Off the Gunflint I would suggest EP 47 (Go west into Meeds, Pillsbury, Hensen all great Smallie lakes and not targeted much. Most of the traffic in this area goes South to Horeshoe, Caribou, Gaskin which are good lakes but no solitude), EP 54 Seagull lake (big water but great fishing in lakes nearby)

You really can't go wrong with most lakes in the BWCA. If you want more specific information let me know and I can be more specific. Have fun planning, it is an amazing place!

Great info BWfishingfanatic12 - thanks!! It seems the more research we do, the more questions we have. There are so many possible routes...

FindHim: "Thanks for the advice...so here are the answers:


- How far are you willing to paddle/ portage?
We do not mind paddling a while and taking some longer portages. In fact, we would like to find some solitude.

-Are you going to plan on bringing in live bait or just fish lures and artificial spinners, plastics, etc?
Planning to fish with all artificial.


- How many days are you planning to go?
We are looking at spending 4-5 nights out.


-Are you comfortable on big waters in canoes or want to stick to smaller lakes?
We are comfortable with big water.

- Will you have a depth finder of any kind to find structure/ depth?
We do not plan on having a depth finder along.


We could push our trip into early July if that's better for fishing. As of right now, catching fish in some relative solitude is my boys' number one goal, so we are trying to base our route off this information. Thanks again for the help!! "

The general rule of thumb is that the fishing begins tapering off in mid June with July and August being the slowest. It then begins picking back up in September. September brook trout fishing incredible :)

A lot here really depends on which species you want to target. Earlier June is better for walleyes and bigger pike , late June smallies....that being said, you will catch all three species for sure . If late June and you are happy catching bass, you will get plenty, with a variety of techniques. Everything you use down south will work and you will have no probs at all picking out structure and presentations for mid to shallow water using your bass/redfish knowledge etc. You will also get plenty of smaller pike that time of year. If you want walleyes, while not absolutely prime seaso, you will still get plenty by fishing deeper during the day (jigs and deep cranks) and shallower in low light periods. Even though you can get bad weather anytime, late June brings more stable weather patterns so less likely to be wind bound and the bugs will taper off a tad from peak season earlier in June (although still likely a lot of bugs lol). Later June also gives you a bit warmer water for swimming while relaxing in camp.

Ultimately you will have a great time with your kids regardless of when you go. For lures, original floating rapalas, #9 & #11, in perch and natural, husky jerks & deep husky jerks (Tennessee shad is a fav of mine), spinnerbaits (white skirt with white or silver blades and black skirt with orange blades), a few top waters/frogs (any really) but I like Pop r’s and jitterbugs (black), mepps #4 and # 5 ( the mepps 5 is fantastic for very big fish of all species...there is just something about it...not always a high numbers lure due to larger size but triggers very big fish at times), a few deep Rapala tail dancers and shad raps, and then jigs. I love bucktail in black, kietec easy shiner paddle tails in sight flash and in electric blue chartreuse. Then zman TRD in green pumpkin and zman Hula stik in green pumpkin. Fish the hula stiks as a shallow to mid-water fluke, use a swivel 18” up your line. You can of course substitute any of your favorite lures for these, it’s mainly the presentation that counts. You will catch tons of fish just trolling around the lake with rapalas while exploring then casting to likely spots. If you use really thin leaders like ‘knot too kinky’ nickel titanium wire in 18lb, you will hardly notice a drop off in fish (bass and walleyes) and save your lures from pike bite-offs. Use a 3 turn clinch knot to tie on your lures or snaps etc. when tying the clinch knot. When tightening, pull only on each tag end, not on the actual knot or lure. Use a pair of pliers in each hand. The wire will not cinch down snug like with mono but it will not open on you. If you were targeting trout (late June not the best time for them...but not bad either!) I would suggest some other lures as well, but if you are on a trout lake in late June fish with a heavy spoon like a little Cleo in blue/silver or chartreuse /silver, at about 30-40’ down over a deeper basin. Again you can just troll these. You can also try the deep tail dancer or even a floating rapala using a 2/3oz. Snap weight.

Have fun , the trip will make for life long memories.

Moonman.

Moonman: "A lot here really depends on which species you want to target. Earlier June is better for walleyes and bigger pike , late June smallies....that being said, you will catch all three species for sure . If late June and you are happy catching bass, you will get plenty, with a variety of techniques. Everything you use down south will work and you will have no probs at all picking out structure and presentations for mid to shallow water using your bass/redfish knowledge etc. You will also get plenty of smaller pike that time of year. If you want walleyes, while not absolutely prime seaso, you will still get plenty by fishing deeper during the day (jigs and deep cranks) and shallower in low light periods. Even though you can get bad weather anytime, late June brings more stable weather patterns so less likely to be wind bound and the bugs will taper off a tad from peak season earlier in June (although still likely a lot of bugs lol). Later June also gives you a bit warmer water for swimming while relaxing in camp.


Ultimately you will have a great time with your kids regardless of when you go. For lures, original floating rapalas, #9 & #11, in perch and natural, husky jerks & deep husky jerks (Tennessee shad is a fav of mine), spinnerbaits (white skirt with white or silver blades and black skirt with orange blades), a few top waters/frogs (any really) but I like Pop r’s and jitterbugs (black), mepps #4 and # 5 ( the mepps 5 is fantastic for very big fish of all species...there is just something about it...not always a high numbers lure due to larger size but triggers very big fish at times), a few deep Rapala tail dancers and shad raps, and then jigs. I love bucktail in black, kietec easy shiner paddle tails in sight flash and in electric blue chartreuse. Then zman TRD in green pumpkin and zman Hula stik in green pumpkin. Fish the hula stiks as a shallow to mid-water fluke, use a swivel 18” up your line. You can of course substitute any of your favorite lures for these, it’s mainly the presentation that counts. You will catch tons of fish just trolling around the lake with rapalas while exploring then casting to likely spots. If you use really thin leaders like ‘knot too kinky’ nickel titanium wire in 18lb, you will hardly notice a drop off in fish (bass and walleyes) and save your lures from pike bite-offs. Use a 3 turn clinch knot to tie on your lures or snaps etc. when tying the clinch knot. When tightening, pull only on each tag end, not on the actual knot or lure. Use a pair of pliers in each hand. The wire will not cinch down snug like with mono but it will not open on you. If you were targeting trout (late June not the best time for them...but not bad either!) I would suggest some other lures as well, but if you are on a trout lake in late June fish with a heavy spoon like a little Cleo in blue/silver or chartreuse /silver, at about 30-40’ down over a deeper basin. Again you can just troll these. You can also try the deep tail dancer or even a floating rapala using a 2/3oz. Snap weight.


Have fun , the trip will make for life long memories.


Moonman."

Thanks Moonman, that is great advice. We can't wait! Is spinning tackle or baitcasters more recommended?

FindHim: "

Moonman: "A lot here really depends on which species you want to target. Earlier June is better for walleyes and bigger pike , late June smallies....that being said, you will catch all three species for sure . If late June and you are happy catching bass, you will get plenty, with a variety of techniques. Everything you use down south will work and you will have no probs at all picking out structure and presentations for mid to shallow water using your bass/redfish knowledge etc. You will also get plenty of smaller pike that time of year. If you want walleyes, while not absolutely prime seaso, you will still get plenty by fishing deeper during the day (jigs and deep cranks) and shallower in low light periods. Even though you can get bad weather anytime, late June brings more stable weather patterns so less likely to be wind bound and the bugs will taper off a tad from peak season earlier in June (although still likely a lot of bugs lol). Later June also gives you a bit warmer water for swimming while relaxing in camp.



Ultimately you will have a great time with your kids regardless of when you go. For lures, original floating rapalas, #9 & #11, in perch and natural, husky jerks & deep husky jerks (Tennessee shad is a fav of mine), spinnerbaits (white skirt with white or silver blades and black skirt with orange blades), a few top waters/frogs (any really) but I like Pop r’s and jitterbugs (black), mepps #4 and # 5 ( the mepps 5 is fantastic for very big fish of all species...there is just something about it...not always a high numbers lure due to larger size but triggers very big fish at times), a few deep Rapala tail dancers and shad raps, and then jigs. I love bucktail in black, kietec easy shiner paddle tails in sight flash and in electric blue chartreuse. Then zman TRD in green pumpkin and zman Hula stik in green pumpkin. Fish the hula stiks as a shallow to mid-water fluke, use a swivel 18” up your line. You can of course substitute any of your favorite lures for these, it’s mainly the presentation that counts. You will catch tons of fish just trolling around the lake with rapalas while exploring then casting to likely spots. If you use really thin leaders like ‘knot too kinky’ nickel titanium wire in 18lb, you will hardly notice a drop off in fish (bass and walleyes) and save your lures from pike bite-offs. Use a 3 turn clinch knot to tie on your lures or snaps etc. when tying the clinch knot. When tightening, pull only on each tag end, not on the actual knot or lure. Use a pair of pliers in each hand. The wire will not cinch down snug like with mono but it will not open on you. If you were targeting trout (late June not the best time for them...but not bad either!) I would suggest some other lures as well, but if you are on a trout lake in late June fish with a heavy spoon like a little Cleo in blue/silver or chartreuse /silver, at about 30-40’ down over a deeper basin. Again you can just troll these. You can also try the deep tail dancer or even a floating rapala using a 2/3oz. Snap weight.



Have fun , the trip will make for life long memories.



Moonman."

Thanks Moonman, that is great advice. We can't wait! Is spinning tackle or baitcasters more recommended?"

You can use whatever you feel more comfortable with, how far in (portages) you are going and overall weight. I like baitcasters for heavier presentations (for pike etc) but spinning likely more versatile. I also like a baitcaster for trolling. Some trips I have 2 spinning rods and a baitcaster, sometimes just two spinning rods, sometimes one spinning and one fly rod....so it depends. With the kids along maybe just spinning rods as they can be used as back up rods if one gets broken etc. But overall, just depends on which lures you will be throwing most and how many rods you are taking in.

Moonman.

Sorry just an update to my last post, read again that the kids are older so breakage less an issue...so really again use whichever rods best fits the lures used....

Moonman.

Take both, naturally spinning setup for finesse situations, baitcaster for your trolling lures and cranks/spinnerbaits. Wind is obviously a factor in a canoe with the baitcasters but if you’re proficient with them then you’ll know what to do. Find the right spot and you’ll catch them for hours. We found a spot last June where our canoe had doubles of 19-20 inchers more times than we could remember. Have you ever chased bronzebacks before ?

marc24: "Take both, naturally spinning setup for finesse situations, baitcaster for your trolling lures and cranks/spinnerbaits. Wind is obviously a factor in a canoe with the baitcasters but if you’re proficient with them then you’ll know what to do. Find the right spot and you’ll catch them for hours. We found a spot last June where our canoe had doubles of 19-20 inchers more times than we could remember. Have you ever chased bronzebacks before ?
"

Sounds good! Boys are very proficient with baitcasters in wind (that's almost all we get kayak fishing on the Texas coast). We have never chased bronzebacks before - one of my boys caught one fishing for the Guadalupe river in Texas, but they are rare down here. What is the best eating fish of the 4 majors found in BWCA?

FindHim: "... What is the best eating fish of the 4 majors found in BWCA?"

Whoa boy!

Best tasting fish can be argued over for sure...here is my list, best first....last on the list is still really good lol (above the dotted line), and you may not find all of these fish species in the lake you are on etc:

Perch
Brook trout
Pike (if you know how to fillet them boneless)
Walleye
Crappie
Lake trout (on some waters I would put Lakers up higher, it all depends on what they eat and type of lake etc)
———-
Largemouth
Smallmouth

Note that I don’t eat bass....many people still think pike are slimy (they are sometimes lol) have too many bones (they do) and don’t taste good..(wrong!). They in fact really, really good but not appetizing at all if fillets are full of bones. Once you learn to fillet them you will find they are great...white firm meat, flavorful, plenty of eating sized pike around, almost never any parasites in them, fight hard (not like a smallmouth though)....even though walleye is great, if given the choice I would take pike....other people’s mileage may vary however...

Moonman.-

BWfishingfanatic12: "

FindHim: "Thanks for the advice...so here are the answers:


- How far are you willing to paddle/ portage?
We do not mind paddling a while and taking some longer portages. In fact, we would like to find some solitude.
-Are you going to plan on bringing in live bait or just fish lures and artificial spinners, plastics, etc?
Planning to fish with all artificial.
- How many days are you planning to go?
We are looking at spending 4-5 nights out.
-Are you comfortable on big waters in canoes or want to stick to smaller lakes?
We are comfortable with big water.
- Will you have a depth finder of any kind to find structure/ depth?
We do not plan on having a depth finder along.
We could push our trip into early July if that's better for fishing. As of right now, catching fish in some relative solitude is my boys' number one goal, so we are trying to base our route off this information. Thanks again for the help!! "

That is beneficial for being able to give you more accurate and helpful advice. This is just my opinion so take from it what you would like. I think the last week of May or first week of June is my favorite time to fish the BWCA (best fishing time in my opinion. I would stick with late June or as early as you can go in June opposed to pushing it back at all.


If I was going late June I would probably pretty much exclusively be fishing jigs or texas rigged plastics, twister tails, flukes, crayfish, ned rigs. Casting jigs, dragging jigs, etc. I would probably try trolling crankbaits a little bit too.


We went mid-June to Knife Lake this year. If you want in depth information as to fishing techniques, lure choice, etc that we used you can view the trip report I wrote up on this website forum under the "trip report" thread. I would think that would be helpful for you. We did use leeches a lot so that is one drawback for you. I love Knife Lake but that's probably a little far in for the 5 days you have to work with.


WEST side: Out of Ely I would suggest EP 14 (head to Loon Lake more solitude and bigger fish) other direction could be crowded, 22/23 crowded in places closer to the EP but can find solitude and good fishing either direction you go if you venture out some. Basswood is big water but superb fishing, or EP 27.


East side: Off the Gunflint I would suggest EP 47 (Go west into Meeds, Pillsbury, Hensen all great Smallie lakes and not targeted much. Most of the traffic in this area goes South to Horeshoe, Caribou, Gaskin which are good lakes but no solitude), EP 54 Seagull lake (big water but great fishing in lakes nearby)


You really can't go wrong with most lakes in the BWCA. If you want more specific information let me know and I can be more specific. Have fun planning, it is an amazing place!


"

So BW, I'm reaching out to you for some more help. We can't seem to narrow down the BWCA at all...not sure which side (east or west)...which entry point...which outfitter... I have been researching this site daily for the last month, making notes, and studying maps. Your suggestions and knife lake trip report were awesome! So which side would you head out of...Ely or Gunflint?

Moonman: "Best tasting fish can be argued over for sure...here is my list, best first....last on the list is still really good lol (above the dotted line), and you may not find all of these fish species in the lake you are on etc:


Perch
Brook trout
Pike (if you know how to fillet them boneless)
Walleye
Crappie
Lake trout (on some waters I would put Lakers up higher, it all depends on what they eat and type of lake etc)
———-
Largemouth
Smallmouth



Moonman.-"

For me: Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Pike, then Walleye. I don't eat panfish in the BWCA, and I don't eat bass anywhere. Although I would eat breaded/fried smallmouth chunks in a pinch.

Moonman I'd like more details on how you differentiate lake trout flavor by forage bass? The majority of lakes I've caught them from in the BWCA feature strong cisco populations. Do lakes with a smelt forage base (for example Burntside) produce different tasting trout in your opinion? I've heard of the big differences in the flavor of different Lake Superior lake trout (siscowets vs lean vs humper), but I've never really gotten further into the weeds than that.

To the OP, yes there are a ton of options as you've noticed. And outfitters and such. Send me an email (envelope by my name)

But central to west side is better for what you want I believe.

thegildedgopher: "

Moonman: "Best tasting fish can be argued over for sure...here is my list, best first....last on the list is still really good lol (above the dotted line), and you may not find all of these fish species in the lake you are on etc:



Perch
Brook trout
Pike (if you know how to fillet them boneless)
Walleye
Crappie
Lake trout (on some waters I would put Lakers up higher, it all depends on what they eat and type of lake etc)
———-
Largemouth
Smallmouth




Moonman.-"

For me: Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Pike, then Walleye. I don't eat panfish in the BWCA, and I don't eat bass anywhere. Although I would eat breaded/fried smallmouth chunks in a pinch.


Moonman I'd like more details on how you differentiate lake trout flavor by forage bass? The majority of lakes I've caught them from in the BWCA feature strong cisco populations. Do lakes with a smelt forage base (for example Burntside) produce different tasting trout in your opinion? I've heard of the big differences in the flavor of different Lake Superior lake trout (siscowets vs lean vs humper), but I've never really gotten further into the weeds than that."

I’ve found the best tasting Lakers come from lakes where the Lakers feed on a lot of insects and especially crayfish. In Cisco lakes the lakers sometimes get a bit oily (big ones). If you see Lakers with orange tinted meat they’ve been eating crayfish and are delicious, almost (but not quite) like a brookie. Keep in mind I am talking marginal differences here, all fish in the backcountry are good eating, sort of like the difference between a strip loin or ra rib eye steak..

Moonman.

Happy to help @Find Him...

We have all of our own gear so I can not help with outfitter questions. I think there are more options and they are more centralized in Ely. Once you pick and outfitter they can help narrow down planning and offer advice as well. As follows is a write up from my experience with some Ely Entry Points.

My best options for you (my opinion) are EP 22/23 Mudro Lake or EP 32/33 South Kawishwi or Little Gabbro. Those are the ones I wrote the most about. I assume you know that the permit booking opens at the end of January so I would make sure yo are on your computer ready to book at that time if you settle on a route. BWCA permits are a hot commodity and can go fast.

ELY entry points, break down: If I skip EP it is because I have no experience with them, don’t think they are good options for you, or don’t think they offer much in a general sense.

-Sorry for the information overload... I was being thorough.

#12 or #12a: Crane lake/ LLC
-Lac LaCroix is also on my bucket list. It is huge water but lots of area to explore and fish and can get away from people. You would need to be willing to get a tow for this EP. I have no experience with this but wanted to throw this in my list for you just in case. I definitely will be doing this at some point. Would probably offer your best fishing experience.

#14 and #16 Entry points are both very popular but I have no experience with either area. Permits go fast for these areas.

#22 and #23: Mudro Lake entry point
-Popular EP but one of my favorite areas. A couple route options for you to go from this entry point. One option I have done and the other I have not done but would like to at some point.
1. The first option I have actually done twice and I really love. You head North through Fourtown Lake and over through Boot, Fairy, Gun, Gull, Thunder, Beartrap. These lakes are gorgeous, and they are off the beaten path. We did not see many other people on either trip other than a few in campsites. There are really great campsites on Beartrap and Thunder and they are at the end of the route so see very little pressure. Not sure if there are any bass in either of those lakes or Gull but the Walleye fishing is good in all 3 of those lakes. Gun, Fairy, and Boot are decent fishing lakes as well and we did catch bass and pike, as well as walleye in those lakes. Really enjoyed both trips to this area with seclusion, great scenery, and good fishing. (can give you more specifics on campsites and fishing spots if you pick this EP)

2. The other option for this entry point may be a tad ambitious for your 5 days but would be an awesome trip for you and your boys. You could do 1 of 2 loop options that a lot of people do. They both include some rapids and waterfalls so you will have to be careful but great fishing around those areas. Both loops would go East out of Mudro and North through Tin Can Mike and Horse lake.

- Both loops have the same middle section in common if that makes sense. (The Horse River) You could decide which way you would want to do the loop. I believe there is an easier direction but I am not sure what it is. So, you would go up or down the Horse river. One loop would go East along the Canadian border to Basswood and back down Jackfish Bay. There is a portage that goes back into Tin Can Mike or down that direction somewhere. Basswood is an amazing fishery and is on my bucket list to fish at some point.
- The other loop you would go North/West out of the top of the Horse River into crooked lake. Crooked lake is another great fishery. You would snake your way North along the border and camp and fish in Thursday and/or Friday Bay. You would loop back South through the bottom of Friday bay through some small makes and long portages through Moosecamp and to the top of Fourtown. This would be a very ambitious and grueling trip with distance and portage length.


#24 and #26: Have no experience through these lakes. Have read good things. Basswood is famously good for fishing but is big water and is tough to know where to begin I would guess. There also are motors allowed in sections of it. Can’t give you much advice for these EPs.

#30 Lake One: I would steer clear of this entry point. I have taken 3 trips through this EP. It is probably one of the most popular routes. Tons of people and the area has been hit by several fires recently. Easy portages to get a long ways in and decent fishing but in my opinion not worth the crowds.

#28 Snowbank: Big Water that can get dicey. Lot of options and if you go in several portages can lose some people but popular area.

#32 (South Kawishwi River) and #33 (Little Gabbro lake)
I have been in this area twice and liked a couple lakes a lot. One trip was late June and one mid July.
-These are different entry points but essentially the same area. Both entry points only have 2 entries per day. Likely a lot of people in the Kawishwi River and around Gabbro. If you push out further and do a couple hard portages can probably find some solitude. These entry points would offer you two options for your trip but will likely include some crowds for portions of your trip.

1. Head North from either entry point and head Northeast up the Kawishwi River. The current/ flowage will hold fish and there are some rapids you can fish with good success. This is a river system (don’t worry there is very little current) so it bottlenecks traffic and people somewhat. However, there are a lot of off shoots, back bays, islands, etc to find privacy I would think. I don’t know anything about Clear lake but it looks like you could make a loop up around the Kawishwi River and circle back. There are a lot campsites to chose from. I have only fished part of that river section.

2. Second option would be head East through Little Gabbro and Gabbro Lake. You will see a lot of people here. Push out further to Bald Eagle Lake and the lakes just North of there. Bald eagle could be crowded to but if you go to Gull, Pietro, Turtle, and Clearwater you should leave most of the crowds behind. This is because there are some long and grueling portages that keep out most. If you are up for it and fit you could find some solitude on those 4 lakes. We only fished Gull and Pietro but did very well on both lakes. Have heard there are a lot of Pike and Bass in Turtle but did not fish it. There are a lot of lily pads and weeds in this lake which is semi rare for the BWCA. We stayed on Pietro Lake. The campsite was awful, but the fishing was fantastic. In one evening, my brother and I caught around 50 fish, mostly Smallmouth with some Walleyes, and a couple pike. We were just casting Rapalas, spinners, and jigs out along a drop off/ shelf and the fish were feeding like crazy. On calm nights I am sure you could go crazy on topwater, especially in late June like you are doing for your trip.

Are these pre-made trips?

Moonman: "

thegildedgopher: "

Moonman: "Best tasting fish can be argued over for sure...here is my list, best first....last on the list is still really good lol (above the dotted line), and you may not find all of these fish species in the lake you are on etc:



Perch
Brook trout
Pike (if you know how to fillet them boneless)
Walleye
Crappie
Lake trout (on some waters I would put Lakers up higher, it all depends on what they eat and type of lake etc)
———-
Largemouth
Smallmouth





Moonman.-"

For me: Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Pike, then Walleye. I don't eat panfish in the BWCA, and I don't eat bass anywhere. Although I would eat breaded/fried smallmouth chunks in a pinch.



Moonman I'd like more details on how you differentiate lake trout flavor by forage bass? The majority of lakes I've caught them from in the BWCA feature strong cisco populations. Do lakes with a smelt forage base (for example Burntside) produce different tasting trout in your opinion? I've heard of the big differences in the flavor of different Lake Superior lake trout (siscowets vs lean vs humper), but I've never really gotten further into the weeds than that."

I’ve found the best tasting Lakers come from lakes where the Lakers feed on a lot of insects and especially crayfish. In Cisco lakes the lakers sometimes get a bit oily (big ones). If you see Lakers with orange tinted meat they’ve been eating crayfish and are delicious, almost (but not quite) like a brookie. Keep in mind I am talking marginal differences here, all fish in the backcountry are good eating, sort of like the difference between a strip loin or ra rib eye steak..


Moonman."

mmm ribeyes and brook trout, that's the surf & turf of my dreams.

It's funny, based on the DNR reports I have always assumed the fish we eat outta Clearwater, Sag, Gunflint, and other lakes up on the Gunflint Trail are primarily dining on cisco or smelt. I tend to keep the little guys only, and the meat is very orange. Makes me re-think my color choices on crank baits and spoons -- I run a program heavy on blues and silvers generally.

Honestly, when you get out there and put the effort into catching the fish, you aren't going to care what type of fish it is as long as you prepare it correctly. Maybe bass aren't going to be the best, but about anything else will be great.

My first trip I went in on Sawbill and headed for the Lady Chain. 4-5 nights in the Lady chain would be a great time. You can catch walleye, northerns, and bass along the chain so it should be a lot of fun. Sawbill is a great starting point because there are multiple directions you can branch out in so the crowds thin out once you get past Sawbill and Alton.

My other recommendation would be Tuscarora. This would be for if you were more interested in trout. This is a great lake for catching trout and northerns. Just gut the trout, stuff the belly with onion, herbs, and lemon if you have it then crisp the skin a little before wrapping in tinfoil and tossing on coals. Trout prepared this way are delicious and moist. There is enough fat in trout that you don't usually want to fry it so grilling and baking are your best options. The lakes around Tuscarora are great too. Little Sag is a great destination and you can do an in and out route trip through Tuscarora with 4 or 5 nights. The outfitter is right there as well so you can get anything you need through them.

No, not pre-planned trips just my thoughts and perspective. I just like trip planning and looking at maps and route options. Just trying to be helpful for someone experiencing the BWCA for the first time.

FindHim: "So I'm planning a trip with my two sons (21 and 18) for late June and want to catch/eat some fish. We fish alot in south Texas (largemouth bass and inshoe saltwater tournaments), but have no experience in the BWCA. We have not selected an area for our trip yet and want to know where is best for catching fish that time of year? East or west side? What type of lakes should we target? Species of fish? Not looking for your honey holes, just some sound guidance to help us narrow down which route to take. Thanks!"

East or west side doesn’t matter, but I would suggest a lake with tannin stained water (clarity under 10 feet) that does not get very deep (40 ft max). Check the MN dnr lake finder site to confirm the lake you are fishing holds smallmouth and/or walleyes.

Beat the shorelines with topwaters for smallmouth this time of year. Sunken timber and boulders in shallow water are great targets.

If you want some walleyes pack in some leeches and slip bobbers and fish them in the first break (rock mud transitions) in 7-12 feet of water. Wind blown bays and points are prime spots for this.

Good luck!

BWfishingfanatic12: "Happy to help @Find Him...


We have all of our own gear so I can not help with outfitter questions. I think there are more options and they are more centralized in Ely. Once you pick and outfitter they can help narrow down planning and offer advice as well. As follows is a write up from my experience with some Ely Entry Points.


My best options for you (my opinion) are EP 22/23 Mudro Lake or EP 32/33 South Kawishwi or Little Gabbro. Those are the ones I wrote the most about. I assume you know that the permit booking opens at the end of January so I would make sure yo are on your computer ready to book at that time if you settle on a route. BWCA permits are a hot commodity and can go fast.


ELY entry points, break down: If I skip EP it is because I have no experience with them, don’t think they are good options for you, or don’t think they offer much in a general sense.


-Sorry for the information overload... I was being thorough.


#12 or #12a: Crane lake/ LLC
-Lac LaCroix is also on my bucket list. It is huge water but lots of area to explore and fish and can get away from people. You would need to be willing to get a tow for this EP. I have no experience with this but wanted to throw this in my list for you just in case. I definitely will be doing this at some point. Would probably offer your best fishing experience.


#14 and #16 Entry points are both very popular but I have no experience with either area. Permits go fast for these areas.


#22 and #23: Mudro Lake entry point
-Popular EP but one of my favorite areas. A couple route options for you to go from this entry point. One option I have done and the other I have not done but would like to at some point.
1. The first option I have actually done twice and I really love. You head North through Fourtown Lake and over through Boot, Fairy, Gun, Gull, Thunder, Beartrap. These lakes are gorgeous, and they are off the beaten path. We did not see many other people on either trip other than a few in campsites. There are really great campsites on Beartrap and Thunder and they are at the end of the route so see very little pressure. Not sure if there are any bass in either of those lakes or Gull but the Walleye fishing is good in all 3 of those lakes. Gun, Fairy, and Boot are decent fishing lakes as well and we did catch bass and pike, as well as walleye in those lakes. Really enjoyed both trips to this area with seclusion, great scenery, and good fishing. (can give you more specifics on campsites and fishing spots if you pick this EP)


2. The other option for this entry point may be a tad ambitious for your 5 days but would be an awesome trip for you and your boys. You could do 1 of 2 loop options that a lot of people do. They both include some rapids and waterfalls so you will have to be careful but great fishing around those areas. Both loops would go East out of Mudro and North through Tin Can Mike and Horse lake.


- Both loops have the same middle section in common if that makes sense. (The Horse River) You could decide which way you would want to do the loop. I believe there is an easier direction but I am not sure what it is. So, you would go up or down the Horse river. One loop would go East along the Canadian border to Basswood and back down Jackfish Bay. There is a portage that goes back into Tin Can Mike or down that direction somewhere. Basswood is an amazing fishery and is on my bucket list to fish at some point.
- The other loop you would go North/West out of the top of the Horse River into crooked lake. Crooked lake is another great fishery. You would snake your way North along the border and camp and fish in Thursday and/or Friday Bay. You would loop back South through the bottom of Friday bay through some small makes and long portages through Moosecamp and to the top of Fourtown. This would be a very ambitious and grueling trip with distance and portage length.



#24 and #26: Have no experience through these lakes. Have read good things. Basswood is famously good for fishing but is big water and is tough to know where to begin I would guess. There also are motors allowed in sections of it. Can’t give you much advice for these EPs.


#30 Lake One: I would steer clear of this entry point. I have taken 3 trips through this EP. It is probably one of the most popular routes. Tons of people and the area has been hit by several fires recently. Easy portages to get a long ways in and decent fishing but in my opinion not worth the crowds.


#28 Snowbank: Big Water that can get dicey. Lot of options and if you go in several portages can lose some people but popular area.


#32 (South Kawishwi River) and #33 (Little Gabbro lake)
I have been in this area twice and liked a couple lakes a lot. One trip was late June and one mid July.
-These are different entry points but essentially the same area. Both entry points only have 2 entries per day. Likely a lot of people in the Kawishwi River and around Gabbro. If you push out further and do a couple hard portages can probably find some solitude. These entry points would offer you two options for your trip but will likely include some crowds for portions of your trip.

1. Head North from either entry point and head Northeast up the Kawishwi River. The current/ flowage will hold fish and there are some rapids you can fish with good success. This is a river system (don’t worry there is very little current) so it bottlenecks traffic and people somewhat. However, there are a lot of off shoots, back bays, islands, etc to find privacy I would think. I don’t know anything about Clear lake but it looks like you could make a loop up around the Kawishwi River and circle back. There are a lot campsites to chose from. I have only fished part of that river section.


2. Second option would be head East through Little Gabbro and Gabbro Lake. You will see a lot of people here. Push out further to Bald Eagle Lake and the lakes just North of there. Bald eagle could be crowded to but if you go to Gull, Pietro, Turtle, and Clearwater you should leave most of the crowds behind. This is because there are some long and grueling portages that keep out most. If you are up for it and fit you could find some solitude on those 4 lakes. We only fished Gull and Pietro but did very well on both lakes. Have heard there are a lot of Pike and Bass in Turtle but did not fish it. There are a lot of lily pads and weeds in this lake which is semi rare for the BWCA. We stayed on Pietro Lake. The campsite was awful, but the fishing was fantastic. In one evening, my brother and I caught around 50 fish, mostly Smallmouth with some Walleyes, and a couple pike. We were just casting Rapalas, spinners, and jigs out along a drop off/ shelf and the fish were feeding like crazy. On calm nights I am sure you could go crazy on topwater, especially in late June like you are doing for your trip.
"

Awesome info BWfishingfanatic12! Thanks for the options and breakdown!