Hey,

It's been 10 years since I posted on this forum. My dad and I visited the BWCA in 2007. It was a drizzly, foggy, very windy, and not too memorable trip. I never expected to be going back, not because we had a bad trip, but because it's so far.

This time, I'm taking my two kids with me. They are 11 and 9. We want to stay kind of close to the EP, picking EP38 Sawbill, and plan on staying on Smoke. That way, if I get hurt, they can go back to the EP by themselves to get help. Not that I'm planning on getting hurt, but you never know.

I'd like to be able to catch fish while we are there. I assume that there are smallmouth and walleyes in all of the lakes. But what about pike? I'd like to catch a decent sized one, just to do it. The last time I was there, I caught a 4" pike on Phoebe Lake. Yes, that was it, and I may be stretching it's size a little. We'll be there about a week. In that time, we will take day trips to Sawbill, Alton and Burnt. Can we catch a decent amount of fish on those lakes? Oh yeah, and Smoke too. I'm not asking for secret spots or anything, just asking if we can expect to catch decent sized fish and plenty of them on those lakes? Plan on using leeches, gulp leeches and worms. Some lures, too.

I'm excited to be planning another trip there. I've been thinking about going back ever since our one and only trip was cut short. I can't wait. Also, I think I've talked about it enought to have the kiddos excited about it, too. Oh yeah, and youtube helps a lot.

Thanks in advance.

I took my younger daughter to Smoke when when she was 7. It's a great place to go with kids. I've also fished Sawbill a few times. I'll send you an email with some fishing info for the 2 lakes when I get a chance.

That area is definitely known for solid fishing (including pike).

If you go to the 'search' tab up above and search things like "smoke lake fishing" "sawbill fishing" etc. you'll find numerous threads from the past that will provide you with good info.

Also go to the maps and click on all the dots in the lakes you'll be visiting - ALL the dots. There is often fishing information buried in campsite reviews. And of course the "fishing spot" dots.

Lastly, assuming you're using an outfitter for some service or another, ask them on your way in - most are very knowledgeable about the fishing in the areas they serve.

Enjoy - I'll be in the same area in July...if I see a 9 & 11 year old b-lining for the Sawbill EP with a worried look on their face, I'll make sure to ask them if their old man is OK!

Thanks Ducks,

I am looking forward to be back there again. I loved it.

I took way to much fishing stuff with us the last time. I didn't get to fish much as my dad felt tired all of the time and doesn't like using lures or "plugs" as he calls them. SO, fishing by yourself in a canoe on a windy day isn't much fun.

I appreciate any fishing advice you can give me.

Thanks again

Thanks Treehorn,

I suppose I am just a little worried that there is a lot of fishing pressure on those lakes and that the fish might be harder to catch because of it. Fishing pressure because they are so close to the EP.

I'll look into other posts and I've already looked at the "Dots" on the maps with the kiddos. They are excited about going there.

Basser8239: "Thanks Treehorn,

I suppose I am just a little worried that there is a lot of fishing pressure on those lakes and that the fish might be harder to catch because of it. Fishing pressure because they are so close to the EP.
"

I am no fishing guru, but when I think about fishing pressure, BWCA lakes don't even register. I've been up there more than a handful of times, and 2-3 canoes on a lake is the most I've ever seen and that doesn't count as "fishing pressure" to me. Go to central MN in July and witness 100+ boats on a lake at one time and that's what I consider fishing pressure. Again, maybe I'm wrong, but somehow I don't think even with all the permits handed out daily at Sawbill that fishing pressure is much of a consideration. Fish population and conglomeration, yes, but not people pulling them out. You just need to find them and entice them.

Basser8239: "Thanks Ducks,


I am looking forward to be back there again. I loved it.


I took way to much fishing stuff with us the last time. I didn't get to fish much as my dad felt tired all of the time and doesn't like using lures or "plugs" as he calls them. SO, fishing by yourself in a canoe on a windy day isn't much fun.


I appreciate any fishing advice you can give me.


Thanks again "

I just sent you an email. Let me know if you have any questions!!!!! I bring less and less fishing stuff every time I go.

If you haven't done so already? Check out the Canoeing with kids forum. Lots of good info!

Thanks Tuscarora, I'll do that.

You picked a good EP for their first trip. Y'all will enjoy the campground and Sawbill Outfitter store, too. Start of the busy season the 4th of July holiday. Pack some warm socks. Can be nippy in wee hours of mornings during the shoulder season. Check out Sawbill's historical weather chart (on website) to reference timeframe you are planning your trip.

Don't know if this is something that would interest you????? But, the old Jack Lake mine would be a possible day trip from your proposed area.

Bring a cheap quart or 1/2 gallon thermos to carry leeches. Change water a couple times a day, they are easy to keep alive. Fish them under slip bobbers or TGO Method (do a search on this). You should certainly catch something if you are in logical areas for fish presence. If it's in June, set slip bobbers to about 6' deep or so and sit about 20' off shore and cast around the boat, adjusting slip depth to the water you are in. Also, cast or troll some #9 or #11 floating rapalas or similar hard baits and you'll have a chance to catch walleye, smallmouth, and northern pike. In early June, I like to also cast Heddon Torpedo topwaters (bullfrog color is my favorite, but leopard frog and baby bass work also) and work them for strikes from smallies and some pike. A couple of Mepps spinners would be easy lures for the kids to fish too (#4 or #5, one I'd take is the yellow or chartreuse dotted 'Black Fury' model). Don't need a ton of tackle to have some success. I've not fished the specific lakes you mention, but I've read many good things about sawbill, smoke, and burnt.

Took my wife and 3 boys 3 years ago for our first trip, Lizz 47 entry. Challenging, but a great experience. We always say 'we loved eachother / we hated eachother' during that trip. But the memories always seem to be the positives. If going in July, the water will be a little warmer for more swimming opportunities, which my boys enjoyed.

They weren't necessarily begging to go back the next year, but since have all asked about when we are going back to the BW!

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks Bumstead, that's a lot of information!

My daughter is getting excited about it. she keeps asking me to take her to look at camping stuff. My son, he's just ok, I think he'll be missing the XBox and is worried about the bears.

IDK, I think they are going to have a great time.

I disagree about fishing pressure. It is very real. Had a favorite Quetico lake where you could catch big smallmouth. Not any more. It takes a long time for a fish to grow in the boundary waters. That is why a lot of us practice catch and release except for what we might need for a meal. I would urge everyone to do the same.

As for the lakes you are fishing they are fine. Read up on techniques, lures, etc.

When I first took my son out if the fishing was slow or if he got bored we would go for an explore. Sometimes we'd hunt for snagged lures or look for nature signs. If you have time in camp there are dozens of great games-- pine cone baseball, dinner plate frisbee golf, stuff sack football or soccer. Make sure you stay at a camp site with good swimming. Don't be afraid to show what you don't know.

Oh yes, have great rain gear. It will make a ton of difference.