First time poster here! I have been to BWCA once when I was a kid. Now I'm a old man(mid 30s) and we are planning a trip this August with my 10 year old son, my brothers and Dad. Pretty Excited! Since my son has joined scouts we have been getting into the outdoors and loving it. My Dad has been up multiple times. We are going up for 7 days. We plan on getting a tow to American Point
Any input on this route would be greatly appreciated. Or just any tips in general. I know fishing will be a little slow during this time. But hope to catch some fish.

Here is the proposed route:
1. Enter Saganaga via Gunflint route.
2. NW to American Point/Knife River
3. Either continue down Knife River or go S through Esther and Hanson Lakes
4. South Arm Knife Lake
5. Ogishkemuncie
6. Work our way east to Seagull
Out at entry point

I haven't done this route but I've researched it a bit. There is good fishing on the South Arm. Choose your campsite carefully at that time of the summer. Bear have had a habit of visiting some of the southern shore of Knife in that area over the past couple of summers. That said, you also might want to add an extra day if you intend to base yourself somewhere to fish and/or explore. I'll let others who have done that route chime in on the logistics. A tow back across Seagull from Seagull Outfitters might ease any time constraints and give you more options.

You should have a great trip in any case!

Thunder Point, Eddy Falls, Enchanted Portage and
Benny’s place. Lots to see plus fishing. Enjoy!

route info

If you haven't done so already? Check out this trip report

There are some great sites on Hanson and Ester....the PMA off Hanson is good for action for pike (not lots of big fish, just lots of fish). I've had my best fishing on that loop on Knife.

So looks like majority saying go through esther and Hanson rather then keep going down knife river? I have been reading about the many bear sightings in the south arm location. Dont know if I should be worried or excited to get a chance to see a bear!

I did a very similar route to you a few years ago and it was one of my favorites. The nice thing about that area is most of the portages are short and easy after the first day. We got dropped off at American point and went down through ester, cherry (highly recommend camping on this lake), amoeber, south arm, ogish, seagull and landed at the outfitters dock. If you are looking for some solitude spice lake off ogish has one nice campsite if you can get it.

We went in June and I’ve never been in August so my fishing tips may or may not work, but I don’t think you can go wrong throwing topwaters at rocky shorelines during low light conditions for smallies. Recommend jigging leeches for walleyes, just have to find the right depth. Don’t hesitate to go all the way up to the first break (7 or so feet) in the evenings.

Thank you for the info.