First-timer to BWCA, EP 16 first week of June. We want to get up to LLC on day one to base camp, but don't want to miss any amazing fishing on the way. Are there any stretches on moose River, Nina Moose lake, or Agnes where we shouldn't bother fishing and just get a move on? Mainly smallmouth fishing. Thanks everyone, this website/forum is fantastic!

AndyEck84: "First-timer to BWCA, EP 16 first week of June. We want to get up to LLC on day one to base camp, but don't want to miss any amazing fishing on the way. Are there any stretches on moose River, Nina Moose lake, or Agnes where we shouldn't bother fishing and just get a move on? Mainly smallmouth fishing. Thanks everyone, this website/forum is fantastic!"

Crappie fishing on agnes can be very good as can tht whole area that time of year. Ive been there many times and there is no area i would skip between agmes and the entry point. I cant help you on llc i have only been trough there a few times and had bad weather both times limiting fishing.

The north end of Agnes has been a goldmine for us along with the Boulder River for walleye, crappie, northern and small mouth. Depending as to where you stay on LLC, there's no reason you can't find a campsite and go back to these areas to fish. Ideally you could find a site on Boulder Bay or Tiger Bay. The one thing I know from experience is if you do the 65 rod portage from LLC into the Boulder River it is called the Widow Maker for good reason. It is a steep up and over portage that only seems to go up. But it does cut down on paddle time and gets you some hot spots a little quicker.

There is definitely some decent fishing in the north shallow part of Agnes by the portage to boulder river. Also right past that portage by the falls had some decent stuff too.

If you’re a first timer, I would focus on getting you and your group to LLC on the first day. Keep moving. There are lots of good campsites in Boulder and Tiger bays, but if you arrive late in the day, they may be full. I’ve seen that happen several times. You can always daytrip back to Agnes or possibly move your last night camp to Agnes. From LLC, you have lots of fishing options.

That time of year is usually primetime on the Boulder River. I'd power up Moose River north and resist fishing until you hit the Boulder. Campsites are at a premium in that area that time of year, so you want to leave early and get on LLC around noon.

I never fish on my way to camp, mainly because I plan to camp where the best fishing is. If I thought there was better fishing on my route... I would just stop and camp there.

But to answer your question directly, no need to fish the Moose river or Nina Moose lake.

Atrain: "There is definitely some decent fishing in the north shallow part of Agnes by the portage to boulder river. Also right past that portage by the falls had some decent stuff too. "

There are a few deep holes in that shallow area that can be red hot or dead depending on the time and day

Tyler W: "I never fish on my way to camp, mainly because I plan to camp where the best fishing is. If I thought there was better fishing on my route... I would just stop and camp there.
"

Touché!

john 800: "

Atrain: "There is definitely some decent fishing in the north shallow part of Agnes by the portage to boulder river. Also right past that portage by the falls had some decent stuff too. "

There are a few deep holes in that shallow area that can be red hot or dead depending on the time and day"

Haha very true. Last time i passed through there we were waiting for the portage traffic to clear up since the landing is pretty small. I figured being in a holding pattern was a great time to throw a spoon overboard. Got a hit within 30 seconds! If it was anything other than a northern, id have kept it for dinner since we were beelining straight to a BB/TB campsite.

Get to LLC and set up a camp in Boulder Bay. Then back track the last portage to Boulder River and work your way back to LLC on the river making sure to fish below all the rapids and current areas. You will be very happy with the number of smallmouth and walleye mixed together in those areas. As someone said above, this is prime time in that area.

It is going to take you all day to get from EP 16 through Agnes to LLC. Focus on getting there with all you gear, set up camp then start fishing.