I am looking for input from people who are diehard smallie fisherman. Is there a huge difference in the quality and quantity of smallmouth in Quetico vs. BWCA. Taking a june trip (looking like the middle of the month) and I am interested to hear from people who fish for smallmouth and have fished in Quetico and the Boundary Waters. I am also aware of the fact that: forage, weather, time of year, etc all affect this answer. Did you start in the BWCA and now only fish in the Q or opposite. I am not looking for specific lakes. I am looking for your perspective. I know that is more expensive to go to Quetico (I am not worried about that). This is another "its winter time and I am getting cabin fever" question. Thank you to those who respond.

I spent my first 10-15 years in BWCA, then started splitting time with the Q and the last 12 years solely in Quetico. The size and quantity of smallmouth are better in the Q without a doubt, mainly due to less fishing pressure, although there are some really exceptional smallmouth areas in the BWCA. I focus on Q now despite the cost, because I can find more seclusion and it just seems more wild. For me, mid-to-late June is a great time for Q smallies, except for when I see really cold and wet conditions from mid-to-late-May into June....then later June into July is better. Sometimes, it seems when the mosquitos are at their worst the smallmouth action is at its best....

I have always caught bigger and more smallmouth on the Quetico side. I think it is mostly due to fishing pressure. I started in the Quetico and continue to fish the Quetico and Boundary Waters each at least once a year.

QueticoMike: "I have always caught bigger and more smallmouth on the Quetico side. I think it is mostly due to fishing pressure. I started in the Quetico and continue to fish the Quetico and Boundary Waters each at least once a year."

When you fish in the Q do you use an outfitter or do you primarily use your own gear?

Do you use an outfitter or tend to use your own gear?

Tristian5431: "

QueticoMike: "I have always caught bigger and more smallmouth on the Quetico side. I think it is mostly due to fishing pressure. I started in the Quetico and continue to fish the Quetico and Boundary Waters each at least once a year."

When you fish in the Q do you use an outfitter or do you primarily use your own gear?"

I only use an outfitter for a bunkhouse stay the night before a trip and tow to and from PP.