Anyone on this thread use a guide before? What was your experience like?

I haven't used a guide since the early 90's. It is a good way to learn how to fish lakes and rivers different times of the year. Every guided trip I've taken was a great experience. The knowledge that you gain is worth the $ you spend.

Nope. Would take the fun away for me.

I have not. If I was new to the BWCA, or canoe camping, I would not hesitate to use one. It seems like the guides in that area are all knowledgeable and well-respected. If my main purpose was fishing, I would also lean towards a guide because I have not really fished MN lakes in the last 25 years or so. My goal isn't, and probably never will be, fishing. Why are you asking?

If you are interested in a first trip, and are wondering if you need a guide or not - the area is fairly easy to navigate, no special skills are required. Basic map reading, compass skills, and/or a GPS will get you where you want to go and more importantly back. Even with a GPS takes maps! Be safe - always wear a PFD, avoid diving off rocks, be extremely careful with saws, knives, hatchets, axes, fishing gear, etc. Be prepared for wet and cold conditions. I personally recommend a satellite communication device. Know and follow the rules. Common sense prevails. Most people gain knowledge of the BWCA by reading about it, watching video's, and just getting out and experiencing it first-hand. Because of the vast footprint of the BWCA you can stay as close to civilization and other groups as you want, or go as deep and far as you want for solitude.

The only guide I know of is Mike Bartz, he runs an outfit on the Eastern side / Gunflint trail called Border Lake Tour Company - (218) 370-0427. GREAT guy. I'd recommend using him for one day, getting the knowledge you need, and then going in on your own with your new-found knowledge.

If you are worried, rent a satellite texting device.

I have gone on two trips with Stu Osthoff, and I would recommend him highly if his style of tripping fits for you. This post will undoubtedly bring out a number of comments (trolls?) who criticize Stu's style and have differing opinions of how to canoe trip, but that's just a difference of opinions on the "right" way to do things, and you have to pick what's right for you.

I went on my first trip to BWCA with two friends in the fall. The trip was great, but we caught almost NO fish. Unsatisfied, I decided to go on a trip with Stu for a Quetico trip and learn how to fish up there (I'm a flyfisherman from California). The trip was fantastic. The fishing was fantastic for the entire trip, the food was great, the equipment was top notch, and it was completely worry free because all I had to worry about was my personal gear and fishing equipment. The cons: heavy packs (fresh food all trip=heavier) for the first half of the trip, and we paddled hard to get into prime fishing spots. If you don't want to work that hard, probably best not to go with Stu.

After that trip, which I did by myself (joining one of his groups), I went with my friends on another Stu trip. Again, fantastic trip. Since then I've done two more sans guide, one with friends and one a solo trip last year. What I learned from going on trips with a guide was helpful in my knowledge and confidence. Not that I couldn't have done it alone, but it shortened the learning curve, especially with regard to the fishing.
Cost was not much more than outfitting through another outfitter also, because that is usually a consideration. Quetico is more expensive than BWCA, so that adds some cost if you went with Stu on a Quetico trip. I thought it was worth it.

So my advice is: You don't need a guide, but it is a good way to get your feet wet (pun intended).