I want to thank everyone in advance for the feedback! Our group of 4 guys in our 30s are heading to the moose river for 3 first timers. Needless to say, this is our first time using this entry point and are looking for some advice. We will be basecamping with a HEAVY emphasis on fishing. Any tips on lakes or sites in the area that would be suitable for basecamping, also any info on fishing this area is much appreciated. I am a fairly knowledgeable angler when it comes to walleye, bass, pike, crappie etc. But our home in Illinois doesn't offer much lake trout fishing, besides lake michigan, so any info on them would be greatly appreciated! Thanks much!

David

Welcome to bwca.com!

For lake trout in that area - head for Oyster lake. The pinch point campsite on Oyster is exceptional. The site nearest the portage to/from the Oyster River is also nice.

Boulder River can be productive for other species.

Check out the maps section for campsite reviews.


maps section (north)

Lots of info on here already, use the search button and type different things in there. You will spend hours reading and taking notes or whatever your style is....looking at maps. Crappie and walleye in Agnes, trout in Oyster, little of all the usual suspects in LLC and Iron. Curtain Falls is a must see and as long as you're there take your rods, you won't be disappointed. Any of those places can be good for base-camping and fishing...with maybe Oyster being the least friendly just for lack of options for multiple days.

Been doing lots of searching and reading, a bit intimidating honestly lol. Just taking what I think I'll use...as far as lake trout from a canoe, I know they will be shallower because of spring but not sure what to expect for any sort of depth or structure they would relate to. I still plan on trolling deeper cranks and spoons from the canoe, about all I know to try for them.

When are you heading in?

While I feel pretty confident catching pike and bass, I'm still learning walleye and lakers. We caught a number of them last year in May and June trolling chartreuse Rippin' Raps and Silver and Green or Blue Little Cleos. The right time of year is important, though.

Early June. Looking at basecamping on Agnes or LLC. Probably spend a day on oyster for sure

Its a nice area and makes for a pleasant trip.

I did a Oyster/Ge-be/Picket Creek/LLC lollipop loop in late May this year out of EP 16 as a party of six in three canoes. We didn't catch Lake Trout but to be honest we didn't try too hard...and it seemed to be windy more times than not when we were on the water. That said we were trolling some on Oyster and LLC with spoons (Little Cleos) and Rapalas (Tail Dancers and deep divers primarily) which have been consistently productive for me in previous years during the month of May on lakes holding Lake Trout.

Attached is a photo of a map I had marked up by Stu Osthoff (BWJ) for this trip. Other than Oyster, I would say LLC is your best bet for Lakers. Lots of folks say at the northern part of Lady Boot Bay is where to look for Lakers (LT) as indicated. There a a couple other LT spots to the east of that marked by Stu as well. Take a look. We even ran into Stu on this trip on the portage from Green Lake to Ge-be. He said his group didn't have any luck on Oyster catching Lakers either.

Assuming the weather cooperates you should have no problem in getting onto LLC (Boulder Bay) from the EP parking lot on the first day (with double portaging).

If I head this way again, which I likely will, I would try to spend as much time up on LLC (Boulder bay to Lady Boot Bay) or maybe Ge-be and Picket. Oyster can be a bear if its windy. Agnes can get crowded.

Good luck.

Great info! Thanks!

Thinking it will be worth it pushing into LLC on the first day to avoid the crowd on Agnes. Lots of good sites in that area it looks like.

If fishing was my main goal I would spend as much time on LLC as possible.

FYI motor boats are allowed on the Canadian side of LLC. If the Canadian border opens by the time of your trip you will definitely see and hear outfitters dropping off/picking up groups at the Bottle River Entry Point into Quetico.

Also there is a great app called Navionics. Definitely worth checking out if you are fishing for Lakers and want to know the depth of your location.

Honestly, the boat motors are the only reason I wouldn't want to be on LLC, I'd rather avoid that. That being said, not everything is perfect in this world, we will probably try to set up camp on one of the islands on LLC.

We've done this trip early June many times. All of the above info looks spot on. I could reply to an e-mail if you wish. Everyone here is super helpful.