Planning a trip to northern part of Quetico. Fishing is a big priority with the group I am going with (a few kids/teens).

On average, is there a noticeable drop off in fishing quality between mid-June and early-July in the Quetico? My question is more relative to numbers vs. size of fish. Want to keep the lines tight.

I've found awesome fishing in Quetico no matter when I've gone, including both of the timeframes you mentioned. In any given year, the conditions might differ by as much as a month in terms of water levels, water temperatures, spawning periods, etc. So I wouldn't sweat the timeframe in terms of fishing. You might have to fish a little differently in one vs. the other, but you will catch fish. If one species isn't biting all that well, chances are another one will be.

Also nice to see another Michigander on here. There are a few of us!

jparks02: ",,, is there a noticeable drop off in fishing quality between mid-June and Early-July in the Quetico?,,, "

Yooper by residence here.

MichiganMan is right, "You might have to fish a little differently in one vs. the other, but you will catch fish."

Fish will move deeper as the season progresses. Year to year variation in water temperature is a big factor. Our group likes early June for the reduced bug population and great fishing!

Thank you for the feedback. Are there any lures you would recommend that time of year? Also, are the bugs bad enough to warrant a facial net? Thank you for the advice!

Keeping in mind that northern Q is at least two weeks later weather wise than the BWCA. Fishing has not dropped off in July but the lakers run deeper. For shallow lakers even mid June is late. Right after ice out you can scoop them up in your hands LOL

jparks02: "Thank you for the feedback. Are there any lures you would recommend that time of year? Also, are the bugs bad enough to warrant a facial net? Thank you for the advice!"

A headnet for bugs is ounces... always pack.

jparks02: "Thank you for the feedback. Are there any lures you would recommend that time of year? Also, are the bugs bad enough to warrant a facial net? Thank you for the advice!"

I'd want an array of crank/stickbaits that would allow me to cover the water column down to about 18-20'. Some jigs of course for the walleye. And definitely some topwater lures for smallies- like Pop R's and Whopper Ploppers.

Not much dropoff from mid-June to early-July. However, there is one big advantage to early July....the weather tends to become more stable....can still get some nasty stuff, but it's generally a bit warmer and not as wet....

jparks02: "Planning a trip to northern part of Quetico. Fishing is a big priority with the group I am going with (a few kids/teens).

On average, is there a noticeable drop off in fishing quality between mid-June and early-July in the Quetico? My question is more relative to numbers vs. size of fish. Want to keep the lines tight. "

just curious.....where you were planning on heading?
hopefully the bugs won't be as bad as last year. that was probably the worst bug season i can remember.
but as someone already commented, it is a good idea to always bring something to cover your face.
we even bought a screen tent for the first time ever last year. lol. it was bad up here.
i am certainly not considered to be a great fisherman, but i would say the advice you need it depends on the species you are after.
generally the walleye fishing is considered the best right after they spawn (starting the May long weekend) because it is more predictable where they will be. after that, they spread out into the lakes, and unless you know the lake, they can be tough to find if it is a big body of water like Pickerel Lake for example.
i have had poor luck catching walleye the last couple of years, but have not explored very much of the park. and i am used to using live bait. so using only artificial bait is kinda new for me when going after walleye.
pike can be caught just about any time in my opinion. havent found any big ones yet but i am sure they are there.
i have never really fished for lake trout but as one post mentioned, they def would be shallow until the water begins to warm and then they go deep. the colder the better. lol
i have had some good success with the smallmouth fishing in summer and fall. i landed one that could have been mounted last year. biggest one i ever saw that wasn't on a wall. personally, unless you are eating them, i prefer to catch bass.
it has always amazed me how one day you can catch fish no matter what you use or where you throw your line. then the next day you can't buy a bite. haha

rick00001967: "

jparks02: "Planning a trip to northern part of Quetico. Fishing is a big priority with the group I am going with (a few kids/teens).

I am targeting entry at Stanton Bay. From there, I am researching multiple route options. Our group likes to head in deep the first day and a half and find a nice basecamp for a few days before moving again. I am also somewhat comfortable leaning on our outfitter for up to date route suggestions just prior to entering the Q.


On average, is there a noticeable drop off in fishing quality between mid-June and early-July in the Quetico? My question is more relative to numbers vs. size of fish. Want to keep the lines tight. "

just curious.....where you were planning on heading?
hopefully the bugs won't be as bad as last year. that was probably the worst bug season i can remember.
but as someone already commented, it is a good idea to always bring something to cover your face.
we even bought a screen tent for the first time ever last year. lol. it was bad up here.
i am certainly not considered to be a great fisherman, but i would say the advice you need it depends on the species you are after.
generally the walleye fishing is considered the best right after they spawn (starting the May long weekend) because it is more predictable where they will be. after that, they spread out into the lakes, and unless you know the lake, they can be tough to find if it is a big body of water like Pickerel Lake for example.
i have had poor luck catching walleye the last couple of years, but have not explored very much of the park. and i am used to using live bait. so using only artificial bait is kinda new for me when going after walleye.
pike can be caught just about any time in my opinion. havent found any big ones yet but i am sure they are there.
i have never really fished for lake trout but as one post mentioned, they def would be shallow until the water begins to warm and then they go deep. the colder the better. lol
i have had some good success with the smallmouth fishing in summer and fall. i landed one that could have been mounted last year. biggest one i ever saw that wasn't on a wall. personally, unless you are eating them, i prefer to catch bass.
it has always amazed me how one day you can catch fish no matter what you use or where you throw your line. then the next day you can't buy a bite. haha











"

Route recommendations are always helpful!

jparks02: "Route recommendations are always helpful! "

i am certainly no kind of expert but if you are coming up here (canada) to enter quetico i would be more than happy to help with any planning if i can.
i live about 2 hrs from quetico.
i have primarily been doing short solo trips (3 or 4 days) from dawson trail (french lake) and base camping on pickerel lake.
but i also did one trip down into baptism lake (would not recommend) and one trip entering at nym lake and staying on batchewaung.

Thank you Rick!