I am planning a little last minute trip while I am back in MN from business and I’d like to get up to the BWCA for some fishing. Unfortunately I don’t have an entry permit ect. I am thinking I am going to find somewhere in the Superior National Forrest right outside of the BWCA and find a Lake to base camp and do some fishing. Does anyone have any suggestions on good fishing lakes not in the BWCA that I can access. I'd like to fish for bass and northern mainly but I’m really open to some good fishing. Any feedback is appreciated and I’m open for ideas. Wish I was going back in the BWCA!!

Why not see if there is a permit available for entry into the BW. I have on two occasions recieved a permit at very short notice. Once I got my permit the very same day I entered. Worth a try.

stupid question. do the issuing stations have real time information? could you call them and would they be able to tell you whats available? first come-first served of course. Jan

Sawbill Trail offers good fishing all along the way. In particular a lake called Kinogami! You could camp at the Crescent Lake campground.
Do a little homework on Kinogami and the lakes around Crescent and you'll see what I mean.

Burntside lake is a very good smallmouth lake.

It is a motorized lake, so you could take a boat and motor which makes trolling much easier. You will be surprised as to how little traffic is on the lake during the week, or as you get later into the season. When do you plan to take the trip??

If you towed a canoe to your camp, you could also take a day trip into Crab, Little Crab, Korb, Cummings, or Lunetta. You can get a day trip BWCA permit for free.

This will give you some options. For more detailed info, give me a call at 218-365-4744 before 10 am daily.

why not camp or stay outside the BWCA and do day trips in? Many, many places to stay near the BWCA and you can try a different lake every day.

Good luck!