Hey All,

So looking at heading in on the east side this year after a few years going in on the west side and working the Knife, Vera areas. I am taking my 12 yr. old son. His 3rd trip. We specifically go after Brook trout, however we love to eat walleye, and he is beginning to like going after Smallmouth. I know this is a heavily travelled area. (I do prefer going deeper) So, we are putting in on McFarland. I am thinking of heading to Pine, working it and the two brook trout lakes off of it for 2 days. Then heading up to West Pike using that nasty portage, and working West Pike and Gogebicnfor another day and a half, then back through east Pike and John. My question to those that know these waters better than I do, which is almost anyone who has been on them, is it possibly worth going the opposite way and spending time (one night) on John? That is it. And for anyone that knows Pine, John or West Pike, any hot psots you are willing to give up.

As always guys and gals, thanks for any advice and help it is greatly appreciated. We do just love being up there, but catching some good fish helps to make for even better memories.

What time of the year are you planning to go?

Sorry forgot to mention that, in on May 18th for 5 days

John is a shallow lake and has big perch in it. East Pike lake has muskies, they were stocked a long time ago in it. I hooked one and lost it at the side of the boat when I reached for my net and gave a bit of slack and it broke me off. I saw it clearly. Didn’t go to Pine but it is supposed to have good walleye fishing. West Pike is mostly smallmouth and pike. That’s all I got.

Scat, thanks for the information. It is appreciated.