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02/23/2021 02:04PM  
Looking for some decent basecamp lake suggestions for walleye fishing this summer. I've been to the BW three times now and learned a lot but never experienced the truly great fishing I know is possible in the BWCA. Part of that has been due to gear and time and that's on me, but I also know I have to be where they are. Hoping to improve in all areas this year.

My group is just a buddy and me. Late 20s. One canoe and we single portage so we can make it a decent ways in short time. Trip length about a week. Timing right now is probably going to be around the late June or early July timeframe with possibly a 2nd trip in the fall. Still interested in where is good in general though.
 
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papalambeau
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02/23/2021 02:44PM  
I would recommend entry point #37 and head to Pan Lake for big walleyes. You're young and single portage so you can make this no problem. My boys and I did it three times and had trophy walleye fishing on Pan. The northern campsite is the one you want to get.

If you want numbers of walleye you can move back to Kivaniva or Malberg. We hit good numbers of walleye on both of these lakes. Kivaniva only has one campsite but it's a nice one. Malberg has many choices of good sites.

You can also get to Amber through this entry point which has an awesome sandy beach campsite and good walleye fishing to boot.

I would probably base camp on Kivaniva and then hit the other mentioned lakes for walleye on day trips. Good luck.
cyclones30
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02/23/2021 04:49PM  
Agree with papa. Or head towards crooked from say...Mudro.

Both are a good push in a day from the EP but you can do it
02/23/2021 07:03PM  
Another plug for the Malberg area but a different twist...after fishing Malberg head over to River lake and stay on the southern island campsite if you can. Just south of there is a point on the left side of the lake where the lake narrows and we caught 35 walleyes there in about an hour on a mid July trip. River Lake in general has good potential and as mentioned, Amber Lake is not far away. I have a post in the portages and campsites forum that shows the exact location.

Another option, Homer Lake entry to Vern Lake. We have had very good fishing there for walleyes, smallies and pike. Great daytrip up the Vern River for great scenery and more chances for eyes and smallies. Last summer I caught 7 19 inch eyes on a slip bobber/leech right from our campsite.

Finally an easy trip, maybe too easy for your group. Reserve permit 66 Crocodile River but you actually put in at East Bearskin campground landing. Paddle 35 minutes to the portage to Crocodile Lake. 100 rods and some elevation gain but not terrible. Four campsites on the lake, the second heading east is the best. Fourth isn't bad. Crocodile Lake is known for walleye fishing, some of the most productive and almost easy fishing for eyes you may ever do. Lots of eaters 12 to 16 and occasional 20 plus inch fish. Also jumbo perch and pike. No bass. Very remote lake because it is a deadend lake and usually not very busy. But..with this permit you have to stay all nights on Crocodile Lake. Maybe spend a few nights there and get a separate permit and head over to Alder for a few nights. Maybe not worth a week but definitely worth 3-4 days. Croc is somewhat legendary for walleye fishing,, but still not that many people go...which is just fine.

Vern and crocodile lake trips might not be enough travel for you since you have a week but if you ever decide to do a short trip for good fishing, keep these in mind.
02/23/2021 09:13PM  
Thanks for the good info papa and lindy. I've heard about crocodile from the tumblehome guys so it's on my radar for sure. Speaking with my buddy, we seem fairly sold on the EP37 to Malberg idea. 5 minutes of research makes sawtooth outfitters look good for canoe rental and the Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground look good for a possible sleeping option the night before. We're not as worried about sharing with rude people on a weeknight, but are aware of possibility.
I'll try and actually do a trip report this year so you can see how it goes.
02/23/2021 10:25PM  
I would hit either Moose River North or Stuart River North. Head to Iron or Lac La Croix.
02/24/2021 05:05AM  
Durza, EP 37 is a good plan but be aware that there are only 5 sites at the Kawishiwi campground and they are often full. Have a Plan B or get a reservation at Sawbill Campground, 19 miles away.
papalambeau
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02/24/2021 08:59AM  
I would second the Plan B option for staying at the Sawbill campground the night before and you can also rent your canoe from Sawbill. Our first trip to entry point 37 we ended up sleeping in the truck because the 5 sites were taken in the campground so we learned our lesson. Sawbill is only a half hour away and there are usually sites open in the campground. And the showers at Sawbill after you come out feel great!
02/24/2021 10:39AM  
Good advice. Thanks guys.
02/24/2021 10:52AM  
Speckled: "I would hit either Moose River North or Stuart River North. Head to Iron or Lac La Croix. "


I'd agree with this suggestion. Fish Stake Narrows or the islands to the north on LLC are can't miss. Crooked is another great destination. Lots of current. Good forage for those late evening/early morning predators. Beautiful spots to base camp as well.
02/24/2021 10:55AM  
Durza: "Good advice. Thanks guys."


If you like podcasts, tumblehome had a recent episode about the Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point.

I think they described it as a remote entry point from the standpoint of driving to it. I am pretty sure that the 19 miles from Sawbill to the EP would be entirely on gravel roads.

Malberg also came up in this recent thread.
cyclones30
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02/24/2021 12:57PM  
I agree on not banking on a spot at the EP 37 little campground. Those folks seem to have those spots taken for a LONG time. We also stayed in the truck the night before. Which lead to a poor night of sleep and very early start. (and very early arrival on Malberg which was nice)
02/24/2021 02:11PM  
I agree with what has been said, the beach site on amber is nice and the walleye fishing is good, as is below the falls on fishdance lake.

Another option is Fraser very good walleye fishery as is Sagus to the east. we've caught a couple of 30 inchers in Fraser, and single portaging you can make it in a day
02/24/2021 11:58PM  
rdgbwca: "
Durza: "Good advice. Thanks guys."


If you like podcasts, tumblehome had a recent episode about the Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point.


Already subscribed! They have a pretty good youtube channel with campsite reviews too. Highly recommended for listening on the drive up.
pastorjsackett
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02/25/2021 07:58AM  
Stay on Stuart, day trip or keep going to Iron. We did this at Memorial Day last year and had a blast. Although Stu was WAY more packed than we expected.
ericinely
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02/25/2021 01:27PM  
Disappointment, Hatchet, Ensign, Wind, Crooked, Iron, Basswood (non-motorized areas), Gabbro, Kawishiwi River, Alice, Agnes, Alpine, Ottertrack...

As long as you head in at least a few portages away from the main access points, walleye fishing will be good pretty much anywhere you go in late June/early July (less pressure). Bring a pound or two of leeches and target them with jigs, slip bobbers or lindy rigs with spinners.
 
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