Most of the best entry points are long gone in terms of permits. But, the first week in May has availability. Anyone have any good ideas or experience on an early trip. Also depends on ice out. But, it looks like Early May should be a possible. I know everyone is primarily looking for Walleyes and Smallies. But I wouldn't mind Crappies and Sunnies if it gets me into the BW.
Also, this may be my first post. But, I'm always reading and getting info on this site. Thanks to those that share their wisdom.

We have caught some really nice crappie on the Kawishiwi River up near campsite 1132. Only place I've ever caught a crappie in the BWCA

If you are going to northern Minnesota during the first week of May, be prepared for ice fishing. Often enough, the lakes are frozen over at that time.

You can target some border water northerns and Smallies if you want and you can find open water :). They have a continuous open season. Check the MN regs for exceptions. For example I don’t see Crooked listed. Also be aware jackfish, Pipestone, Hoist and Back Bays are considered inland waters NOT border waters. So the continuous open season doesn’t apply there.

T

Thanks for the suggestions. I see much of the Boundary Waters is in a Winter Storm warning today. More snow will likely push back ice out. So, we'll see if early May is realistic. Thanks for the border waters idea. I didn't think about that. Appreciate all the ideas!!

Ice is often an issue for sure. Lakes on the western side open up earlier. Heading up Little Indian Souix to Loon or LLC for some Pike would be an option. Check the MN regs to just be clear on all the rules...I haven't recently read them.

Crowriver: "Most of the best entry points are long gone in terms of permits. But, the first week in May has availability. Anyone have any good ideas or experience on an early trip. Also depends on ice out. But, it looks like Early May should be a possible. I know everyone is primarily looking for Walleyes and Smallies. But I wouldn't mind Crappies and Sunnies if it gets me into the BW.
Also, this may be my first post. But, I'm always reading and getting info on this site. Thanks to those that share their wisdom. "

Crappies in the BWCA that early are tough to find. Thats usually too early for them to have pushed in shallow. It has happened but isn't likely even in the smaller waters. Could maybe get lucky and find them staging out deeper but you'd almost need a livescope to find em like that.

I was up the gunflint a couple different times last week and It looks nothing like the rest of the state. The lake I was on had a minimum of 30 inches of ice and a few inches of snow on top of that. Temps for the next week look to be below average. Things can change quickly but winter at this point is still holding on up that way.