Howdy Folks! We are heading up the Kawishiwi River on June 2nd through EP #32. I've read through a few trip reports and done some research on campsites but I've found the best and most current information is obtained when asking the experts (you folks) directly. We are looking to base-camp with access to good fishing. We will need 3 tent pads and prefer a kitchen area with enough trees to hang a tarp.

I'm looking for all varieties of knowledge that you are willing to share about this area at this time of the year: site seeing options, campsite recommendations, fishing tips, river/portage navigation advice, etc. We don't know much about river fishing in the BWCA other than targeting current breaks and pools above/below rapids but we plan on trying a variety of techniques to include bobber & leech, drop-shot, jig & soft plastics, ned rigging, and some top-water.

Thanks in advance for any tips/advice you are willing to share!

Sounds like a fun trip but I think you may get more feedback if you add some more details to your specific questions. How many people, ability levels of group members (fishing and canoeing) and how many days you plan to stay. Other details like how far you are willing to travel can help out too. Good Luck and have fun!

I'm curious where you think heading up the Kawishiwi river takes you, as in how far. The concept of just staying on Kawishiwi to say Insula is interesting, but so many other directions. Could get into Bald Eagle a ways on first day. Or stop on Gabbro - lots of nice sites. Just need a little idea to offer suggestions.

Sorry, I should have been more specific. We are doing a 5 day trip and want to base camp on the Kawishiwi River system. We'd prefer the general area north of Little Gabbro and south of Clear Lake but we'd be willing to paddle up further north to the area where the river splits if it sounds like it may be a more favorable location. We have a group of 4 with various experience levels with fishing/canoeing/camping, ranging from zero experience to moderate.

As you enter from EP32 and head north, the second campsite on your left is a great one. I stayed there with my three kids a couple of junes ago and the fishing from camp was great, and there is a really nice rock jumping/swimming spot on the north side of camp as well. This would be a perfect spot to base camp and explore the triangle to the north of you. My 8 year old caught a 4lb smallie from the shore of this camp with a frog pattern popper, and he still raves about that fish!

Campsite

Can't offer a lot. I liked 1692 - southern island in Clear - and liked 1130 on the river near portages to Little Gabbro. But you are getting into a time when it's getting busier in busier area. You will see a lot of other paddlers.

Our group of 8 did a basecamp trip last year in late June. We stayed at site #1702. It was a little cramped, but worked out fine. Good canoe landing, and good tarp trees at sitting area. Campsite site #1132 looked really nice, but we didn't stay there. Plenty of nice sites in the area. The first rapids we portaged around, but could be floated through headed towards portage. Campsite #1131 has the nickname, "the Hilton". Never stayed there personally, but the rapids there can be difficult to paddle up.
Fishing in the area for us was very good for smallies and walleye. Not much size for walleye, but lots of smaller and eater size. Like you mentioned, above and below rapids served us well. We were using jigs and leeches and jigs with curly tails. We're headed back at the end of June, and I hope to go further and explore the area more this year.
Have a great trip!

Oldtown13: us well. We were using jigs and leeches and jigs with curly tails. We're headed back at the end of June, and I hope to go further and explore the area more this year. "

I will be on the river the last week of June with my wife and kids, maybe we will see you out there Oldtown13! From what I have read this is a great spot to visit, only downside is it does get high traffic.

Have been in that area a few times. Yes Campsite #1132 at the bend in where the river starts heading North is pretty good and provides options. Head North or South on the river or portage into Little Gabbro and further for day trips and fishing. I have had very good luck fishing from shore on the out flow from Little Gabbro to the river. It does get to be a busy area though, Enjoy.

Awesome info, thanks all for sharing!

If you haven't done so already? Check out Fall exploration of the Kawishiwi triangle

EscapeConcreteJungle: "Awesome info, thanks all for sharing! "

How did the trip go EscapeConcreteJungle? I will be up there in 2 weeks. What sites did you camp at? What was working for fishing locations and bait? Any other tips you'd offer now having been there?