Got a lot running through my mind and thought I'd dump it here...

Going in Mudro June 1st. With this late ice out, how do you think it will effect the fishing? Usually that's a strong spawn week, but I'm thinking things might get pushed back a week or two to mid June. I see a couple brookie lakes near the Mudro entry point. Are there any other unmarked brookie lakes further in? How about lakers? Do you have to go to over to LLC (up Beartrap River and through Iron) to to get to the nearest laker area? Just trying to plan the route. What would you do if the walleye and the smallies aren't super active yet? We've got a full week so we can get pretty far in...

Ive been in through the Mudro entry point a couple times but never the first week of June. Things tend to even out by early summer but you are probably correct in assuming things might be slightly behind. Not sure what route or are of that entry point you are focusing on as that is a large area. I know you said you have a week but going up the Beartrap river is pretty difficult I believe and that is quite a haul to get to Iron. If you are doing some variation of the horse river loop and up through crooked and the name of the week bays I am sure you will do just fine. Focus on fishing moving water and you will find fish.

I am not aware of any Brook trout lakes in that area but I do not really fish them so I may just be unaware. I think you can catch Lake trout on Iron but I don't think that lake is known for great LT action...

I am confused by your use of the phrase Smallies and Walleyes running? There are some rivers in that route but most of the fish in the BWCA spawn in lakes. Im sure some Walleye run up the horse river to Spawn but Walleyes spawn mid May and will be done even with the late ice out.

I would guess most Smallies spawn in the lakes.

All that to say I would do some variation of the Horse river lood up through Crooked and back down. Lots of rapids and pinch points to fish with the moving water. That is where I would focus.

I'm also a bit confused by the "running" part.

I also think May might be warm and by the time you have your trip it may not be much different timing as far as fish and temps as it seems.

And yes, the Beartrap river is doable but you can't camp on that route unless you have the one and only PMA permit for that one that night. (or nights)

Mudro isn't the best if you're looking for trout. Kinda true for most of the west side

cyclones30: "...I also think May might be warm and by the time you have your trip it may not be much different timing as far as fish and temps as it seems.

And yes, the Beartrap river is doable but you can't camp on that route unless you have the one and only PMA permit for that one that night..."

Thanks. (I re-worded "running.") Yes, I have the permit for three nights for the PMA. So we could break up the river and stay on Sunday Lake before we head up to Iron. We'll see how the bite is...

BWfishingfanatic12: "...If you are doing some variation of the horse river loop and up through crooked and the name of the week bays I am sure you will do just fine. Focus on fishing moving water and you will find fish... ...I would do some variation of the Horse river loop up through Crooked and back down. Lots of rapids and pinch points to fish with the moving water. That is where I would focus. "

Thanks for your help! I'm not sure if we'll go up to Iron and fish at Curtain Falls or over to Basswood Falls, but we'll find some moving water somewhere. I'll take all this info and see what the team wants to do...

If you're looking for Lake Trout, La Croix is the closest, followed by Oyster. Mudro was stocked with lakers a few years ago, but I've never caught any there.

egknuti: "If you're looking for Lake Trout, La Croix is the closest, followed by Oyster. Mudro was stocked with lakers a few years ago, but I've never caught any there."

I'm only looking for lakers if the walleye and smallies are not engaging. I know when the ice first comes off the water that lakers are usually hitting strong. But the eyes and the smallies take some time to get going. But it could be with some warm days that it's not an issue, and if I get up to some moving water, I'll be just fine. Thanks for your input!