Hello, long time listener, first time caller. There will be a TL:DR if you don't want all the backstory and verbose ramblings...

Backstory:
With many years of fruitless planning a solo to the bwca, my new girlfriend of less than two weeks invited me to dip my toes in the (already known very cold water of Duncan lake in mid-May of 2023). The recent late ice out.
We entered on West Bearskin to a group of old-timers from Grand Marias area wearing overalls, flannel wool shirts, and those hats that have a little flap to cover your ears. The one gentleman deemed us locals since we were from Duluth (probably an inside joke, I concede) , his advice, which is a rough quote from memory: "With the water and the wind, you just gotta' grit your teeth while you're paddling". Winds were gusting to about 25mph(?). It was at this point I knew to take this incredibly seriously. I surely did.

Well, after the short portage, we encountered a small sheet of ice about 3 feet wide, extending from shore, with an enticing gap leading to the open water, all along the portage. I even witnessed some sort of spider on that ice, pretty neat. We poked and prodded our paddles through the sliver of open water between ice and shore and found our desired camp. The rest of the trip filled me with excitement. Excitement for future adventures. Thankfully, we had an incredible trip, with no mishaps. Duncan (seemingly) to ourselves, day trip to Rose falls + short hike with incredible flow from the melt. The water was so crystal, mesmerizing, and a rainbow to boot. Sadly no fish, but I wasn't complaining :)

This may seem out of place for a trip report, but, that's because I come to you all for any sort of advice for an upcoming trip we are both taking.

Further context:
Since that trip, I have become borderline obsessed with planning and embarking on trips to the bwca. Thankfully, my girlfriend shared the same fervor I had been inflicted with. We have been on at least 12 trips since ( I lose count). We returned from a 10 Day trip through the Mudro-Crooked-Fourtown Loop last week. We're already chomping at the bit.

(TL:DR and question): S/O introduced me to BWCA in May 2023 and we have taken every chance we've had to go to trip in the park(~12 times)

We have another permit for the first week of June this year to see if we can experience Duncan in a different way. Based on what I've read, I'm sure it'll be a different experience than the last.

With that being said, do any of you have insights? Fishing, hiking, camping, Partridge, Rose, Day hikes, points of interest, the elusive Lakers? Loops? Is the traffic like a state park this time of year?

Not asking for any secrets mind you, I have a difficulty searching this great site. It sends me to a general web search for some reason.

Thanks:
I feel so fortunate to be able to visit the Bwca and that it exists. Also, I give my thanks to all that are stewards of this land, this forum/site, and all commentors here. What an invaluable resource to Wilderness travelers, but also for SNF history (Jackpine).

Forever grateful, FB

Sorry the TL:DR was also...long...

If you haven't seen it already? Checkout this trip report.

Daddy daughter Duncan dayrrips

I have not! I'll give it a read. Your reports/comments have helped quite a bit with our past trips. Thank you!

TuscaroraBorealis: "Checkout this trip report."

Over the years I have come to appreciate your diligence in submitting trip reports.
In this trip report, you comment on Bearskin access and say "predictably, there is a lot of activity here". Could you expound?
(not intending to high-jack the thread. This seems to be in harmony with the OP's inquiry regarding 'traffic')

sinking3: "

TuscaroraBorealis: "Checkout this trip report."

Over the years I have come to appreciate your diligence in submitting trip reports.
In this trip report, you comment on Bearskin access and say "predictably, there is a lot of activity here". Could you expound?
(not intending to high-jack the thread. This seems to be in harmony with the OP's inquiry regarding 'traffic')"

Thank you.

Regarding the activity comment: It's a popular entry point, plus there's also typically a high amount of day trippers paddling to the falls & BRT.

TuscaroraBorealis: It's a popular entry point, plus there's also typically a high amount of day trippers paddling to the falls & BRT.
"

I read that as 'paddle at early light'. Thanks for the reply!