Getting the group together for a mid-September trip to the Q. Coming in from the west via tow and looking for simple entrance and base camping. Given the fire area, I am trying to decide if I should stay on McAree or go up into Minn. Prefer not to go too much further given the age of the group.

Balancing remoteness, scenery, and best fishing.... any recommendations of which entry point and which lake to call home for a week?

Given burn area, going further east does not seem to make sense.

This is my first Q trip. I have spent my time on Iron the past few falls, but wanted the Q experience. I have a BWCA permit for Bottle that I will cancel if I get my Ontario reservation.

One last question.... can I add/change names of people on the Ontario permit if my group changes (but does not change in number)?

You’d save a lot of money by just entering from the North. Tow in over on that side can definitely add up. I do think the fishing is probably better in the area you are talking about coming into by tow though. Good thing is by late September the portages will have all been maintained for the year and many groups will have passed through.

I’m thinking about doing a late September trip entering at Beaverhouse. Possibly get dropped off by outfitter and then paddle route and exit at Nym lake or Stanton Bay. Seine River lodge is who you could arrange shuttles with if you decided on a Northern entry on the western side.

Ryan

Big fan of McAree. The end of the lake where Black Robe portage is located has some of the best fishing I have experienced in all of Quetico. Had a Grand Slam in a hour the last time I was there. Excellent Walleye from the portage to the larger island a short distance from the portage, also good Laker fishing on the entire area around there , and between the big island and the Minn portage. Northerns and smallmouth are also very plentiful. Biggest Northern I’ve ever caught came from there.i prefer to camp closer to the Minn portage. The big island has a nice campsite, but last time I was there it was full of widow makers….

And yes, you can add and change the numbers to your permit by editing it online or calling the reservation number. Have a great trip.