Anyone ever stayed at Zups on the Canadian side of Lac La Croix? Heading there in September and really have no idea what to expect. Have fished large lakes in the BWCA before so am assuming it is similar but any help would be much appreciated.

I haven't but plan to eventually. I have heard good things about it. I have fished LLC a lot and can attest to the excellent fishing there and I know Mark can put you on fish. The only issue on LLC is the wind, it can get very rough.

We stayed a Zups for an overnight and then towed to Bottle Portage. Nice facility and very remote. Mark is very knowledgeable.

I was just there a week ago. We used them for a tow to Bottle Portage and also stayed in one of their cabins the night before we went in.

Just a heads up that as of a week ago we actually had to go through International Falls and around Rainy Lake and finish off with a 1.5 hour trip on gravel to get to their make-shift boat access until the Crane Lake border crossing opens up.

It will add an additional 3 hours or so to your trip.

If you have any specific questions let me know and I can report what I know. They were still recovering from the flooding when we were there. Super nice hosts with lots of good info on fishing spots!!

bobbernumber3: "We stayed a Zups for an overnight and then towed to Bottle Portage. Nice facility and very remote. Mark is very knowledgeable.
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I second that. They also serve amazing meals (they have a professional chef), especially considering how hard it is to get supplies there.

Thanks for all the responses. As much as I like the BWCA I wanted to try something different this year and I came across Zups so we figured why not. I'm planning to hire a guide since we spent so much money I figured we might as well spend a bit more so I know what I'm doing for the 4 days of fishing.

Appreciate the heads up on the border crossing. We have about a month yet before we go so I guess we will see how things shake out.

I've been using Zup's for 25 years. Mark, Kathy & staff are the best. Food is excellent.

We also had to clear customs in International Falls for Lac La Croix pickup this year due to May/June flooding at Sand Point customs cabin. Kathy indicated that they hoped to use the RABC program when it reopened and pick you up in Crane Lake, MN like they normally do. It is my understanding that RABC reopened in July. Check with Kathy.

Request Jason Ottertail for your guide if he is available.

Mark has been on Lac La Croix since he was a kid and will mark up maps and put you on fish when you aren't with a guide.

Good decision to try Zup's. I know you will enjoy your trip.

I’ll be there Friday evening. Great Resort, and great people.

Stoutslaya: "Anyone ever stayed at Zups on the Canadian side of Lac La Croix? Heading there in September and really have no idea what to expect. Have fished large lakes in the BWCA before so am assuming it is similar but any help would be much appreciated.

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Staying at Zups again for another 4 day fishing stay up at the big cabin in Wilkins Bay. We did ok last year hanging around on the west end but I'd like to venture further towards the reservation and get into some more numbers and I'm sure some size will come along as well. Any suggestions on locations or baits for mid-Sept on LLC? I caught quite a few on rapala jigging raps last year and even caught a decent laker on a rippin rap.

So nobody fishing Lac La Croix recently I take it?

Stoutslaya: "So nobody fishing Lac La Croix recently I take it? "

My experience here has been that people don’t talk much about the “big” lakes with motorboat traffic. When I do post a report on Sag, for example, I may as well be talking to myself. Basswood, similar results.

Just checked out their website, looks like a cool place! I’m assuming their prices are listed as Canadian currency?

thegildedgopher: "

Stoutslaya: "So nobody fishing Lac La Croix recently I take it? "

My experience here has been that people don’t talk much about the “big” lakes with motorboat traffic. When I do post a report on Sag, for example, I may as well be talking to myself. Basswood, similar results."

Yea you are probably right. IMO the "big" lakes are the best as they tend to have the biggest fish! They sure can be a challenge though. We absolutely crushed walleyes. They were biting like crazy.

GunflintTrailAngler: "Just checked out their website, looks like a cool place! I’m assuming their prices are listed as Canadian currency?"

No I think they're prices are listed in US currency. We just got back yesterday and it really is an awesome place. Fishing was absolutely incredible, never caught that many walleyes in 4 days of fishing before including the spring-time. Accommodations and food are simply out of this world. If you can stomach the prices, you will not be disappointed.

Zups always treats us like kings.

I'll second the comments about the food. Zup's food is incredible. Huge portions that we could barely eat!

I don't want to be a naysayer but I feel it needs to be said. I've been going up since 1981 and always used Zups when going into Quetico from the west. That ended when my son and I waited 4 hours on the rock by Bottle Portage. When I asked what happened Mark said after you went out, another larger group wanted to be picked 4 hours after you and he didn't want to make two trips. We were scheduled to arrive back in the Chicago area that night and needless to say, we didn't make it in time. It's been Mark Anderson's for us the last 15 years.