Hey everybody, new to the forum and just looking for some advice with planning a 7-8 day trip in late May. A buddy and I are planning a trip in late May like I said and are just looking for some recommendations on the best entry points and routes for a trip of this length that time of year. We would like a route that has the potential for some great fishing and the more remote/secluded the better. Also plan on staying on the MN side. We are aware that weather and fishing this early in the season can be very unpredictable, but a little cold weather has never scared us off before. The number and length of portages also isn't an issue for us, as long as the reward for all that work will be worth it haha. We have all our own gear and supplies except the canoe, so any advice on a good outfitter to rent from would be appreciated too.

Thanks for the help!!

Some questions:

Base Camp (No moving) - Move every other day - Move every day?

What species of fish? (Not every lake has all species available)

East Side(Tofte/Grand Marais) - West Side (Ely) - No preference?

P.S. - Welcome to the Board!

Here's one of my favorite late May trips. First fish and a walking stick

Hi Michwall2,

We like to be pretty active so are looking to be moving every day. However, if there is a spot that's really good we open to staying in one spot for two nights.

Species of fish we prefer would be Walleye, Pike, Bass, panfish. Lakers wouldn't be bad either, but don't care as much about trout. That being said as long as we are catching fish, we don't get too picky.

East/West side doesn't matter for us. Open for whatever is gonna give us the best trip.

Thanks for the welcome and response!

TuscaroraBorealis,

Wow what an excellent post!! That route looked great, will definitely be looking into it!! You did a great job describing each day and the route taken. Besides your one really good day of fishing was it kinda slow the rest of the time, also seems like mostly Lakers you were catching?

Thanks for the info!!

We did have some action on Gabi' as well but, nothing like on Paulson.

All Lakers.

In at EP 16, up thru Agnes, LLC, Iron, Crooked, out at 23. Plenty of what you're hoping for in all those. Plus roaring Curtain Falls in the spring is a spectacle on the way.

Canoes can be rented from anywhere and they'll transport you or let you haul canoes.

A few options:

Entry 14 - Little Indian Sioux North - There is a set of lakes inside the crescent formed by LLC. (LIS north to the Pauness Lakes. East through Shell to Oyster. North to Ge-be-on-e-quet and Pocket, west to Finger, Beartrack(s) to North/South. Then south to Slim and Little Loon. Take Loon back to the Little Indian Sioux.) The route is rugged and you will find solitude there.

Entry 38 - Sawbill Lake -
Option A - Sawbill west to Polly Lake (Lady Lakes Chain). Turn north to Little Sag. East to Mora, South to Mesaba and continue south to Kelso and out to Sawbill.

Option B - North to Cherokee. Continue north through Long Island to Cross Bay. East to Snipe, Hubbub, Howl to Tuscarora. East to Crooked or Mora. (Maybe to Little Sag?) . South to Mesaba. Continue south to Zenith, through Lujenida to Kelso and out to Sawbill. (Variation - Head east through Smoke and Burnt Lakes to Kelly and then north through the Temperance River Valley to the Temperance Lakes and then west to Cherokee Lake.)

Entry 47 - Lizz Lake . Head east through Horseshoe and Gaskin to Henson, Ogema, Kiskadina to Muskeg and Long Island. Head northeast to Cave, Ross, Sebeka, to Banadad. Head back east to Rush through Skipper and out to Poplar.

These routes will offer varied fishing options. The shortest are the first and last. They are 5-7 days of travel allowing for 1-3 days to layover.

I hope this helps. Have a great trip!