My friend and I are planning a canoe trip for late May. I have only one trip under my belt and he has none. I was originally going to get dropped off at American Point and paddle down Ottertrack to Knife Lake and hopefully get to the south arm(we went to ottertrack last year, didn't make it to Knife though). However, with sooo many different lakes I thought it might be worthwhile to research other options. With basically two beginning BWCA campers, does anyone have any suggestions on a route with really good fishing lakes (smallmouth, pike, walleyes, also panfish would be cool) that would produce at this time of the year? My friend hasn't caught a northern yet so I'm hoping to get him his first. We'd prefer a route with no more than 2 portages and a short enough paddle to give us ample time to fish. Names of outfitters for the lakes would be appreciated also.

Lake One is an excellent area to enter. You have two short portages to get into Lake Two and from there you go all the way to Lake Four with out having to portage (you should be able to get to any of the numbered lakes in less then 4 hours assuming you do not get lost). The fishing has always been very good and your friend should definitely catch his first northern. The numbered lakes can be a bit confusing so make sure you have a good map. Bring some leeches for walleye and smallmouth and bring some Cisco for northern; rapalas, spoons, and twisters also work well.

Kawishiwi Lodge and Lake One Outfitters is located right on Lake One (we will be staying there the night before our trip in June). If you rent a canoe or stay at their bunkhouse I believe you can launch from there also which save about 1/2 mile of paddling.

How long a trip do you envision? There are a number of East end outfitters who sponsor this site, including several who are regulars posting invaluable and current information.

Having said that, the Ottertrack/Knife route will give you everything you are seeking. I like the South Arm - the Maps section here will show you the honeyholes and best campsites.

The numbered lakes idea sounds like a good option. What I like is that I won't need to pay for a tow like i would if i went to ottertrack and to the south arm of knife. The numbered lakes look very cool on the map(narrow, smalll bays, and lots of areas to explore)