Opinions and advice requested please. Planning an entry 32 end of August. We are looking for a base camp large enough for 4 men. Willing to travel daily for fishing opportunities. Never been in this area before. We are all experienced BWCA eastside paddlers. End of August has always allowed easy campsite pickings in our experience. Any thoughts and ideas would be very welcome.

This is a great area, one of my favorites. The portage in isn't too bad. You wont have to travel far to find a decent site and good fishing. See the map. Good campsites are marked, the yellow one is the best in the area. If you are fishing I would aim for the yellow "great" campsite. In this area at that time of year, fish the current and you'll catch fish. For day trip you could venture over to Gabbro, but at this time of year the best fishing will be in the river area. Have fun. Bruin Lake is a cool little lake too, we were camped on the East site on the large part of the river on a very windy day. We hiked back to Bruin Lake and it was completely calm. Not sure if there is fish back there. Have fun!

Thank you. Your map points to the sites I was also looking at because of the information on this site. It sure looks as if this will be our destination. Appreciate your input. Thank you.

I agree with BigCurrent. Great map and info.

I did my first solo entering at 32 and do the Kawishiwi Triangle. For a basecamp I would shoot for the "great campsite" or any of the other ones in that area.

Have a great trip. I love that area.

I would add the two sides just below the 'great campsites' text as very good, especially the one nearest that short portage. I would also mark good fishing right below the 'E' in campsites.

JD

I stayed the "Great" Campsite 2 years ago in September. It was an awesome site with great fishing! Aim for that site if it is available. The only downside is that campsite does see a lot of traffic.

If you have hammock campers, there is a great site in the area between 20 rods portages in the area just north of the Little Gabbro portage (so if you take the next portage north there are three campsites in that stretch, two on the north shore, the north site to the east is beautiful, but it's all slanted and not great for tents).

Otherwise, there are decent-nice sites scattered throughout that area. Clear isn't a bad base camp as you can head up to the North Kawishiwi but also easily explore the river south of Clear Lake as well.

quote ollie: "Opinions and advice requested please. Planning an entry 32 end of August. We are looking for a base camp large enough for 4 men. Willing to travel daily for fishing opportunities. Never been in this area before. We are all experienced BWCA eastside paddlers. End of August has always allowed easy campsite pickings in our experience. Any thoughts and ideas would be very welcome. "