I know this is a ways away, but next winter me and a group of friends are heading up the gunflint trail to Tuscarora Outfitters. We will be treking in from there. Looking to find lake trout. Gillis and Tuscarora were our thoughts. Anyone have advice for us. We've never been in the bwca in the winter, but have all the proper gear. How far can we expect to travel in a day, keeping in mind we all are in decent shape? Any other suggestions as far as where to go?

How far you can travel in a day varies widely by snow conditions. Deep snow and slush you're not going anywhere!

It all depends on snow conditions and your physical condition.Tuscarora avery pretty lake is a easy-moderate trip if somebody already broke trail before and they usually have. Going in will be a little uphill. Gillis you can make in a day but you could be worn down by than(like previously mentioned it depends on conditions so much). In medium to poor conditions snow sometimes I averaged about 1 mile/hour(one year that would of been fast),other times maybe 2 to 3 miles per hour.It varies so much,many times I think about 6 miles a day is a good day before your energy runs low. I have done as many as 14 miles. We went into Gillis once and was the first ones in that year and snow was 4 feet deep in places. Only thing that helped us was there were still Moose around back than and most portages had old moose track on them so we did not sink as deep. Remember one hill dragging up the sled you littorally sunk up to your waste(oh what fun it was to be young and never wore out) No that time we ended up about 1 mile short of Gillis that day. If you have never winter camped before I just say take it easy the first time,don't over do it.Enjoy yourself there are no bugs than.The early trips we have learned with close case of hypothermia and a good frostbite of a toe.

I found if you push yourself to hard your looking for trouble,you got to watch so you don't get too sweaty than cool down. Like mentioned slush can stop you in your tracks.

PINETREE - Which lake would you say we would have better luck at? As far as fishing. I've been into Gillis but never Tuscarora. Guess I just would like a veterans opinion.

Its been a long time since I winter fished either and they both have their ups and downs so I will pass on that one. Good luck.