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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum

Trip Planning Forum

Second time trip

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Date/Time: 04/28/2024 05:57PM

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Second time trip

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Previous Messages:
Author	Message Text
lindylair	07/16/2019 09:08PM I have no experience with bunkhouses, as we usually camp the night before a trip. From outfitters I have only rented a canoe. but as far as routes I have a thought that could put you in an area with good fishing and a remote feeling, but fairly easily accessed for a short trip such as yours. Enter at Homer Lake # 40 and paddle across this pretty island studded lake. About 2/3 of the way across you will actually be entering the BWCA. There are 3 campsites on Homer, 2 outside of the BWCA and one inside at the west end. They are all pretty nice. but I would continue on over the portage to Whack lake, and then from Whack over the portage to Vern lake. Both are short and easy portages. Pick from the two campsites on Vern Lake, they are both decent. Vern offers good fishing but a daytrip up the Vern River would be the highlight of the trip. Very good fishing and very scenic. We had good luck with walleye and smallies, both from camp and while canoeing the Vern River. Also a few pike thrown in the mix. This is not a real popular entry point so you will likely have a reasonable amount of solitude. You can be in camp within a few hours of launching which is a plus on a short trip like you have planned. We stayed there last summer in early July and saw not a soul for a few days, but of course there are no guarantees. On the way out, take the southern route for variety which is really pretty and also a very quick and easy exit. You could rent a canoe from Sawtooth Outfitters along highway 61 and find a place to stay for the night. Or you could camp somewhere not too far from the entry point for less dollars. Many say that it takes a day or two to get in the rhythm of the wilderness when they go there. We have found that camping the night before our trip speeds that process up and allows for a leisurely evening to fine tune the packing and plans and a short drive to the entry the next morning. There are many good camping spots in the area if you do some research. Here is a trip report if you are interested in some info and photos... Homer to Vern Have a great trip wherever you go
2NDpaddlers	07/15/2019 03:26PM I can't help you on the fishing part of your trip, but if you are looking for an excellent outfitter, check out Tuscarora. AAA+++ all around. Their bunkhouses are great. Excellent breakfast before heading out. Top notch equipment to rent. I am guessing they could provide you with some excellent fishing info too. Went out of Tuscarora last year and planning with them again this August.
bobbernumber3	07/07/2019 06:21PM Any outfitter you rent from should provide you the most up-to-date information on fishing, campsites, bug reports, et all. I haven't much experience in August, so I'd just rely on outfitter info.
johndku	07/07/2019 04:10PM August won't be prime time, but fishing should still be good enough to keep you satisfied. For SMB, I'd concentrate on surface lures in the early morning, late evening. Walleye will certainly be deeper. Pike, who the heck knows what they'll do. Good month to fish after dark if the bugs allow you, and if going in later August the bugs shouldn't be too bad.
ben123	07/06/2019 09:03PM How will fishing be at that time of the year?
johndku	07/06/2019 06:52PM bobbernumber3: "Try Seagull Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail. Nice bunkhouse for your overnight and launch from their dock in the morning on Seagull Lake." Good option for a short trip. Either camp right on Seagull, which is a good walleye lake, or take the portage into Alpine, another good walleye lake.
bobbernumber3	07/06/2019 05:41PM Try Seagull Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail. Nice bunkhouse for your overnight and launch from their dock in the morning on Seagull Lake.
ben123	07/06/2019 04:46PM Hey everyone, I am currently trying to plan a trip in late August for 6 people. Our current plan is to stay at an outfitter the first night and then head out to our launch site in the early morning. We plan on staying in the boundary waters for 2 full days. Are there any suggestions for entry points that are a little further in that would allow for some walleye/bass fishing and potentially good sandy beaches for swimming? If you have any recommendations, could you please list the outfitters that we would rent our canoes from too. Thanks in advance!