I am planning a trip into the BWCA with fishing as the focus, but also would like to avoid crowds. When, where, and how deep to you go to get both of these in a trip?

Thanks in advance - Jim

Our group tends to go to the BWCA when there are people around, but we have a trick to get away from the crowds. Find a decent lake with lots of islands and bays. Get there early and find a campsite tucked way back in the middle of nowhere and not near any portages.

One of my absolute favorites is on the following map on Malberg. At the very top and center, Malberg has a spear that goes off to the northeast where there are three sites. The southeasternmost of those three sites is incredible. It has a sandy beach, awesome fishing, everything you could want. Also, you rarely if ever see anybody. Those that venture that far back on Malberg are either passing through or they simply just don't have any reason to get that far back in that particular bay. We caught walleye, northern and smallmouth all in front of the campsite.

http://www.bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=maps.entrydetail&olon=-91.103634&olat=47.83899&nlon=-91.103634&nlat=47.91495&zoom=14&size=700&locid=37&locname=Kawishiwi%20Lake

Of the times I have been in to the BWCA, Even on the numbered lakes, and other lakes which are reported to receive a lot of traffic... I have never been pressured fishing. Occasionally, you might have someone paddle by, or I even had a guy come to camp in a rainstorm looking for some dry matches to start a fire. Luckily, I had some to give him. But, as far as fishing pressure, I have never had any. My suggestion is to find a lake that has the kind of fish you want to catch, then pick an area where you would like camp, the most secluded site if that is what you wish, and enjoy the fishing and peace that is there. If you really want to be alone, look into a PMA. Good luck and enjoy your trip. Fishing for smallmouth is my favorite, but this year I am going to try some trout fishing...

Good Paddling, Great Fishing, and God Bless All...

Bruce

I've noticed a really decent trick that workes well for me. Find lakes that have long portages, most people aren't willing to take a mile long portage while they are on there relaxing vacation. I've taken a trip to Rush lake which has a 360 rod portage attatched to it. Whether coming, or going to that lake you have to enter or leave through a long portage. Then again I'm in prime physical shape at the age of 20. However my father is is 48 and he is still willing to make the long portages if the fishing pays off. I worked at Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters where there are two main entry points off of Poplar Lake, liz and swamp, and skipper and portage lakes. I would say that 95% of the people we sent out went out through the liz and swamp entry point. I think it's because of the shorter portages. When I go to the BW I prefer to see as little people as possible and catch as many fish as possible. Also, for best fishing and least amount of traffic plan your trip either a little earlier in the spring, or a little later in the fall. Before most people kids get out of school and after they go back. Hope this helps and good luck.
HBN