Hey everyone, this upcoming Friday my dad and I head north for our first boundary waters trip. Our plan is to start at Mudro Lake Saturday morning and then make it to Crooked lake to set up basecamp for the week. We know it will be a long day to make it all the way to Crooked, but that is what we have our sights set on.

I have been doing as much research as I have been able to, but just wanted to ask if you guys could share any tips, advice, or really just any information that is helpful for a first timer?

We plan to fish mainly for walleye and smallmouth, and wouldn't mind a few crappies if we found some.

We are beyond excited to get up there and hopefully have the trip of our lifetime.

Thanks guys!

bmaher287: "Hey everyone, this upcoming Friday my dad and I head north for our first boundary waters trip. Our plan is to start at Mudro Lake Saturday morning and then make it to Crooked lake to set up basecamp for the week. We know it will be a long day to make it all the way to Crooked, but that is what we have our sights set on.

I have been doing as much research as I have been able to, but just wanted to ask if you guys could share any tips, advice, or really just any information that is helpful for a first timer?

We plan to fish mainly for walleye and smallmouth, and wouldn't mind a few crappies if we found some.

We are beyond excited to get up there and hopefully have the trip of our lifetime.

Thanks guys!"

If you would like to read a copy of my article called Grand Slam Lures ( for the BWs ) send me an email - queticomike@yahoo.com - and request the Grand Slam.

Crooked is a great lake!!
Fish crawlers on Phelps floaters 2 ft from a swivel and slip sinker in areas with current a point that sticks out or an island.
Look for small to boulder rocks not ledge rock or muck/marl/bog.
Fish 4ft-30 ft. until you find em. I caught limits and limits last week on other lakes in the BW during the day in 5 ft.
Good luck!

You can use livebait, so if you really want to catch fish, that'll make things a little easier.

Last week, we found the smallmouth pretty deep -- down towards 20'. The shorelines were full of little ones; you had to get out onto some deep structure (points or reefs, for us) to find them. Just my .02.

Thanks for all the help guys!

We do plan on bringing crawlers with us, and will take leeches as well if they are available. Not sure what the availability of leeches is for this time of year up there.

After the trip, try to remember what worked, and what did not....remember things around camp that were useful, things that were not. Food that tasted good, food that did not. Frankly, the first two weeks AFTER a trip will be very important in the planning of the next. Good luck!

bassnet: "After the trip, try to remember what worked, and what did not....remember things around camp that were useful, things that were not. Food that tasted good, food that did not. Frankly, the first two weeks AFTER a trip will be very important in the planning of the next. Good luck!"

A learned a ton on my first trip. I think I learned more on what not to do on the next trip more than what did work well on the first trip.

Not sure what your ages or what kind of physical shape your in; but when our groups go through Mudro to Crooked we make it Lower Basswood Falls in 4 1/2 hrs; then typically paddle up for an 1 1/2 hr . 6 hr trip and we are up by Big Current.

You should have no problem with fishing. Crooked is a great fishing lake

Welcome to the BWCA club...if you’re like most of us one you go you’ll always want to go back (annually at least)!!

General Tips:
Always wear your PFD no matter conditions.
Bring a whistle or clean pots/pans in the tent...just in case an unwelcomed critter
Bungee your gear in the canoe...just in case you tip, you don’t want to lose gear.
Secure your car keys in a dry box/bag with a carabiner to the canoe
Bring a decent saw
When you first arrive at camp and when hikingbto latrine make noise
No food in tent
Powdered Gatorade is key
Take a pic of your map and text to family or friend to show route

Fishing Tips:
Worms are always good, but leeches really work (if can’t find them use artificial gulp leech’s)...bobber or lindy rig.
Most sites you don’t have to cast far...fish like the shoreline, sunken trees, drop offs
Top waters are great entertainment for smallies
clean fish away from yours (and others) site...islands without camping work best.

Hope this helps. Safe travels and take in the sites...hope you see some cool wildlife, catch fish, and see a northern lights show...all very possible!!!

Happy Paddling! We were just there last weekend.