I would love to see this sub-group take off. Lots of logistics getting up there from 20 hours away. We could really help each other out in so many ways.

I've made a lot of trips from North central WV which is about the same time/distance. I don't get that way and you may not get this way much, but I'm happy to share the way I do it, which may or may not be relevant for you. You can ask here or email as long as I know who it is/what it's about so it's not lost in junk mail.

Thanks Boonie!

I've always wanted to come up and fish the New River. I read the Bruce Ingram book years ago and have been itching ever since. I think he came out with an updated edition here recently. It's a solid read for any river smallmouth fisherman.

I took a new job this year where I will have some time to adventure during the summer. I'm thinking of doing our normal group trip(4+dog) then adding a solo jaunt to the back end.

I can't tell you anything about the New River fishing other than near Hinton when I was 16 in 1967! Probably not useful now . . . I know there is some very good smallmouth fishing there and some guides too I believe.

I've rafted it quite a few times and enjoyed that.

As far as BW logistics, I've driven up there every year since 2006. I take it a little slower these days now that I'm old and retired. A long time ago, I went up through MI and across to Superior (avoiding Chicago) on someone's recommendation and have continued. So much more relaxed and scenic.

I have driven up and flown up. Flying introduces an entire different set of considerations. The biggest value was the reduced recovery time post trip. I usually take two days up and two days back when driving. I have considered the UP route but have not took that path as of yet. Maybe this year!

We love LLC because there's just not much company once you leave Snow Bay until you get south of Coleman Island.

I'm thinking South Arm of Knife area after LLC this year. There's several small lakes I want to fish in that general area.

Took a guide trip through Piragis year before last and flew through MSP and was very fortunate to hook up with another trip member driving in from PA. Liked saving 20 hours behind the wheel and the opportunity/need to buy a couple of two piece rods.

Looking forward to a return trip on the Gunflint side this summer, fly through Duluth and then drive the North Shore a bit before visiting the BWCA.

Lots of things to see and do on The North Shore, in Grand Marais, and out the Gunflint Trail.

I’ve settled on a route…going in Moose North on the 23rd of June. Getting picked up on July 9th at Prairie Portage.

Oyster > Gebe > LLC first half.

Iron > Crooked > Basswood second half.

Going to meet up with some buddies in Lady Boot for a few days.

Will spend some time fishing Lady Boot, Saturday Bay and east side of American Point. Me and my old girl.

I did Moose N my first trip up LLC stayed in Lady Boot, went to Pocket then down through Gebe, Oyster and out Moose N. My second trip was LIS N through the little lakes to Finger and out the same way as first trip. Great area, you'll enjoy it.

I may take a trip over to Pocket and Finger. I have plenty of time. Loved Gun, Tesaker, Tak and Trillum. Looking forward to going across Crooked. I think I will stay a couple of days outside Saturday Bay.

Finally got around to joining this forum. Just SE of central Ohio fwiw.

If you do go up through Oyster to Gebe make sure you check out the "stone chair" camp on Gebe. While the campsite itself is just ok, the throne room is very cool in my opinion. I know some people don't like them, but the workmanship is quite interesting.

Also, if you haven't decided yet, I recommend going through the UP of Michigan at least one way. It's a bit longer, but the scenery is totally worth it if you can spare a few more hours. Beats Chicago and/or the Champaign - Bloomington- Rockford route if you bend it west.

Love to hear about Pocket and Finger if you go, we went Pocket creek to Gebe creek last time I was that way. Didn't make it farther west. Enjoy the trip!