I am looking over trip options. My group keeps growing as my kids invite more friends...not a bad problem at all.

Since I am limited by their schedules to mid-May...I am thinking its a great time for big Northerns. I am planning currently on EP47 and base camp in Horseshoe.

My concern with Perent is that...it looks better for big pike...but will hog creek be clear at that time? My whole crew is in good shape so portages are not a concern.

Any advice?

There aren't really any portages to speak of hardly to get to Perent. So I'm not sure what your concern is with it being clear? From downed trees over the winter? Or....of ice? Which shouldn't be an issue.

I've not fished Perent but I don't know how it is for pike

In mid May there should be no water level concerns on Hog Creek. No portages along the way after the put in. Suppose a beaver dam along the way is not out of the question but we did not run into any. It is a long and winding meandering paddle to Perent that is pretty cool at first but then gets a little monotonous by the end of it...but then you hit Perent Lake. This is a very pretty lake with lots of nice campsites on points bays and islands and is known as a good walleye lake. I am sure there are pike in there too, probably some big ones. Because it is a medium sized lake and is very shallow, it does have a reputation of getting pretty windy with tough paddling conditions at times. Might mean you have to watch the weather and take advantage of the early morning and evening hours for calmer paddling and fishing conditions, but who knows, could be flat water your whole trip too.

Horseshoe is great too, one of the more unique BWCA lakes because of its shape with some very nice campsites, but popular. Fishing is good there, definitely chances for pike and walleye but I don't know that it is known as an outstanding fishing lake. It is known, however, as being one of the likeliest spots in the BWCA to spot a moose.

I don't think you could go wrong either way. If fishing is a priority I might lean slightly to Perent. If a balance of fishing, scenery and wildlife opportunities is more important then Horseshoe would probably get the nod.