(Not sure which forum to post this on)

The excellent fishing on the BWCA side of Crooked Lake is well-documented. Obviously it focuses on the well-known 'bays' on the US side.

I know that the grass is always greener on the other side, but I can't personally remember ever seeing anyone fishing on the Canadian side of Crooked. It looks like it has some great possibilities. Makes me wonder if this is untouched territory, right under my nose.

So I have two questions. Has anyone fished the Canadian side of Crooked Lake?

And the followup question, 'what's the simplest and most economical (and legal!) way to access the Canada part of that lake? I still don't understand all the logistical/legal issues of Quetico access. I'd love to have the documents in hand such that I could fish both on one trip.

Thanks

I once camped at the campsite coming out of Argo to Crooked. Fished the evening in that little bay and did well. Cant say for the rest of the lake as the next day I paddled through. Best have a compass is all I know.........first time I had to use it on a 14 day trip.

Years ago, younger, more naive, and less ethically mature, I took the 'oh, what does it matter?' approach and eased over to the Canadian side during the smallmouth spawn. Just killed them, but of course, the same was true on the US side, they were biting all over the lake.

Now I am older and wiser and more ethical, (not to mention more aware of LARGE consequences if I'd get caught), so I haven't really considered that option in a long time.

In 2016 we did a Zup’s tow from Crane Lake to the Bottle portage and entered Crooked Lake at Curtain Falls. Due to rough weather we camped on the small island adjacent to portage into the Roland chain. Two gentleman shared the tow with us and they headed to an island just visible from Curtain Falls with the intent to base camp on the island fish from it the entire week which was something they did every year. They reported excellent fishing in the area during the week when we met back a Zup’s resort before departure from QPP.