Our group has traveled lots of areas of the BWCA. Last year we did the Crooked Lake Loop starting and ending at Mudro. Saw the falls, pictographs, table rock, the old car, and found solitude and great fishing along the border.

We have a bucket list of trips and next year we are up in the air on a basecamp type fishing trip on either Insula or the Thomas/Fraser area. Of course we are after walleyes and always fit in plenty of fishing for smallies and pike. Lakers aren't a big deal to us.

If you had your pick which lakes/area would you prefer?

My daughter and I just got back from a trip where we were on both. It was my first time on Insula, my 4-5 time traveling through Thomas and Fraser. I’d pick Thomas and Fraser, because they’re very pretty, and we saw zero people there, but Insula was very full. But we don’t fish, and I know nothing about the camp sites. The spot we stayed at on Insula was really nice, and we saw a lot of other nice sites too.

I absolutely love Insula. Great fishing/ campsites. It’s one of my favorite lakes in the BW due to the magnitude of islands.

Do another loop and go to both. Win-win.

Thomas is a great fishery if fishing is a high priority..

I have based camped and fished on both Insula and Thomas with Insula having better fishing, Insula has fantastic walleye fishing , smallmouth and pike. Insula has stained water but Thomas is a clear water lake. Both locations are busy so arrive early.