Looking for a base camp area primarily for fishing second or third week of September. We have four guys for sure and possibly six. Two of which have never been. Is it possible to get to these areas in a day? Which one has the best fishing opportunities? Which one has the best camp sites? We have never been to this area of the BWCAW before so any info will be appreciated. Thanks

tony

I've been up EP 16 at least 15 times over the years. All but one time was a late May or June trip. Boulder Bay can easily be reached in a days paddle. Usually around 5-6 hours. I can't say what the water levels on the Moose River will be in September, but the beavers usually keep levels fairly stable from what I've read. There are a few nice campsites along Boulder Bay and more once you get up in the main body of LLC. Boulder Bay has lots of fishing opportunities for walleye, pike, crappie and Quetico carp (SMB). If you're basecamping, there are lots of areas to fish in the area.

Further north there are some nice sites around Tiger Bay and just north. Endless places to fish, so you have to find them. Once you reach Boulder Bay the other sites are within an hour of paddling. Except for "whisper quietly, Wind".

I agree boulder bay is easily reached in a day, Iron is doable, but a little bit more work. How far you go really depends on your group and how much stuff you are bringing. Boulder Bay and Tiger Bay both have nice camp sites and good fishing. Lac La Croix is loaded with nice sites even outside of these 2 bays. Iron also has great fishing as well and has several nice sites too. I would suggest looking at the maps on here (while logged in) and check out user comments on camp sites / fishing spots.

Ditto on Mr. Barley. Fished that area six or seven times, but in May and June. Huge crappies and a lot of really nice eyes. But it can be a very busy area and might be hard to find a site depending as to when you get up there.

Is there any spots on LLC in that area that have possibilities for Lake Trout? Seems like such a large lake and unless you know where you are going it may be pretty tough...or maybe not? Thanks for the help!