Trying to plan a trip with my wife (her first visit) the last week of July. She loves to fish, hates to hike so I'm looking at getting a tow either into Ensign or Red Rock Lake. Several permits are available for both locations on our intended entry date (July 22) so that won't be an issue. Any suggestions about which lake might offer the best fishing? I've been through Red Rock previously, so I know Alpine is a short portage away but I haven't fished either. We'd be ok with shortish day trips, but nothing major.

I've already planned for the creature comforts (chair, tarp with bug net, comfortable sleeping bag/pad, pocket shower, etc.) and for me to do the bulk of the work, but I would love nothing more than for her to catch a few fish (of any variety).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

My wife and i go to Alpine every Memorial Day. This year we got a tow to red Rock because there were no seagull permits. We triple portaged because we took cold gear.

It is a great, easy trip.

If you want any more suggestions or details, email me at the contact from the left.

Just a heads up but both the South end of Red Rock and Alpine were pretty burnt looking a few years ago when we went through. They are still pretty but just not quite the same as they were pre-fire so your wife may not be blown away. Red Rock bay is gorgeous as always. Fishing was good on Red Rock though and we saw a moose on Alpine.

Spent a couple of days on Red Rock Lake last summer, also at the end of July. All but the very south end pretty much untouched by fire. That changes significantly when you get to the south end and portage to Alpine.

We stayed at the campsite about half way down the lake, on the west side, just north of the two small islands in the middle of the lake. Campsite was decent, as was fishing from shore. A few eater walleyes, one walleye that went about 7-8 pounds and was caught from shore at campsite. Lots of smallies. And yes, a fairly easy trip with a scenic lake.

Similar to get to. Alpine might be more fish friendly. Would likely see less people on alpine. Ensign can me busy!

If you decide on Ensign, I would recommend taking one more portage to Ashigan. The only time I have been on Ensign was over Labor Day weekend 10 years ago, and the lake was pea-soup green and very crowded. Ashigan, in contrast, was a crystal clear jewel and uncrowded. The portage between the two is fairly easy. We stayed at the far western campsite on Ashigan, and it was definitely 4 stars. We weren't fishing, but if you look up the lake on this website, there a couple fishing spots noted.

More people on Ensign, and fishing will be excellent for the discerning fisherman. Red rock will see moderate usage, good fishing, and a better chance at a big fish. If you decide on Ensign, I can give you tips.....

I think our friend Jerry wrote a song about you...

Never been to Ensign, never stayed on Red Rock, but have been through there a ton of times and considered it. There are some nice Bass in Red Rock and Alpine has a nice Falls between there and Jasper. That's also where I caught my biggest Smallie, just under 5lbs. So, Red Rock is my recommendation.

Thanks to all for the feedback. Since the consensus is Red Rock, Red Rock it will be.

Good choice. Alpine has some good fishing, especially by Jasper-Alpine Falls.

Good pick, have camped on both and I like Red Rock better. It's an easy trip with good fishing with Alpine & Seagull close by for easy day trips. Alpine for walleye & Seagull for lake trout.
Gunsmoke isn't into the portages either and she had a great time on the Red Rock trip.

quote nctry: "I think our friend Jerry wrote a song about you..."

Just in case you know not of what Ben is referring, here you go...
"Too Tired to Start a Fire" by Jerry Vandiver and the One Match Band