We will be heading up in early June this year and are considering a base camp on Shell and day tripping to some of the surrounding lakes (Heritage, Lynx, Hustler, Dogfish, Upper/Lower Pauness, etc.)

Past fishing reports are that this area was fished hard and really slowed down in 2000s, but the last topic I could find was from 2013 and that was 50/50 on if fishing was good or bad. Anyone fished up in this area more recently to provide an updated report? Also open to other suggestions on good fishing areas in NW area of the BW for a basecamp with day trips type of voyage. Thanks!

I had a blast with lakers on Oyster last year. Two long portages away from Shell, but if you ended up base camping on Hustler, it'd make a great day trip.

I’ve fished these lakes over the last 15 years. The weather has, as usually, been the X factor in successful fishing. I usually fish these lakes mid June to early July. Shell Lake has produced nice sized walleyes, Bass and a few trophy northerns for me. Lynx has also been good at producing some nice walleyes as well, but they can be a little more difficult to catch. Some good sized bass as well. Hustler is a great bass and northern lake. I haven’t fished Heritage enough to give a report, but Stu Ostoff gives it a thumbs up for walleye fishing. Oyster is great for Lakers, if that’s something you’re interested in.
I know on an old map I have shows a portage to Dogfish Lake, but I only found what seemed to be the beginning of a trail. If you are able to get there, I’d be interested in a fishing report.

Stay on Lynx and day trip to Heritage and Hustler. Shell is pretty, but busy and historically has had bear issues. Some pretty nice campsites on Lynx. Heritage has big smallies, pike, and walleye, but only 2 campsites. Northernmost campsite is best, but can be buggy. Southern campsite is up the hill and has a rocky landing. On Lynx, we stayed at the campsite near the portage to Heritage. Good smallie fishing on Lynx, although we caught nothing of size in mid August a few years ago.

Thanks for all the updates and insight, much appreciated!

I've base camped on Shell 3 different times in the past 10 years. We've always had good fishing. Rainbow chubs, plain hook below a slip bobber. Also drifting lindy rigs in a few areas has worked well for larger walleyes.

CampSnkRpr I emailed you some info.