Call it a midlife crisis if you must. I've decided I want to do a solo fishing, hunting combo trip. More emphasis on the fishing, hunting. I would be targeting grouse and rabbit to be eaten at camp. I'm looking to basecamp and don't mind exiting the same way I came in.

Thinking of entering during the last week of September and leaving in October. Entering in September because I'd like to be able to fish for lake trout and know the season closes on the 30th. Walleye and pike too.

I've been taking in the plethora of information available here, other sources, and information overload has become a thing. I'm not running any marathons, but am in decent shape and health. Going to use an outfitter for everything. Obviously being by myself means I have to portage everything on my own so I am trying to find a good area to basecamp and daytrip from. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

That late in the season, you should check with your outfitter of choice if you are depending on them 'for everything' to see if they will still be open. Some outfitters close up shop around the end of September. You are also getting into questionable weather season - meaning cold/freeze-up. You don't mention your experience level - besides first trip there - don't underestimate the weather, freezing temps, wind potential and don't overestimate your abilities. Good luck.

pd

Sounds like fun. If I were you, I'd get a tow into Lac La Croix and set up base camp. Spendy, but what the hey. Then, day trip as needed. Not sure about the grouse situation over there, but there are lakers and walleyes.
Good luck and take it easy.

I know the weather can be unpredictable. I know some years it's warm during that time and some years it's wet, cold, and snow.

What I meant by getting everything from the outfitter was just gear, canoe, and food. I was looking at Rockwood Outfitters, Boundary Water Outfitters, along with a few others, and they both seem to stay open until at least to the end of September.

I was thinking about taking a hot tent and foldable stove just in case it was wet and cold. I know that does not replace a good sleeping bag and clothes. I figured I'd be out before the end of the first week of October.

I have experience in kayaks, can read a map and use a compass, and would also be bringing a fish finder with GPS and backup battery. I'm also considering bringing a wet suit just in case the water temps are cold.

I know to have a successful trip I need to plan, plan, plan and not take risks. I'm definitely not trying to do a 40-mile trip through ten different lakes with fourteen portages. lol

I haven't fished there in a long time and never for lakers. You would have to target a good lake trout lake and you can get intel on that on the fishing forum and from outfitters. I've never grouse hunted there, but have been going during the same time frame and have talked to a lot of grouse hunters. Most grouse hunters I've talked to are hunting outside the BW. Inquire on the hunting forum.

You may find it more productive to camp and hunt outside the BW itself and there may also be lake trout lakes there as well. As mentioned the weather is highly variable, changeable, and unpredictable then. It is often windy enough to keep travelers windbound and certainly can make fishing solo awkward.

Some Lake Trout fishing info for BW

Rockwood is a good spot, they'll take you where you want to go up and down the gunflint too. I've done a trip where I stay there, get a ride from them, and put in at missing link (EP 51?) or cross bay, and then work my way down back to the resort. I'm told Long Lake has good fishing, lots of good spots, though I don't know how the trout is there specifically.

Lake Nipigon has good Lake Trout, Walleye and Pike fishing and you can rent a boat/motor from an Outfitter and carry your hot tent/ hot tent stove and all your gear easily in a boat.. Pasha Lake pashalake.com , Onaman River Resort lakenipigonfishing.com check on packages and pricing. Most Outfitters should be quiet at that time so rentals should be easier to book than during prime time fishing season or during moose hunting season.

Welcome.

No need for a hot tent at the end of September, and while someone will point out where I am wrong, I have never had ice up in September. I have done a dozen 1st week of October trips and while I have had snow and frost, I've also had 80 degrees. Hot tent and stove make for way too much to carry along with shotgun etc...

Welcome! Sounds like my kind of trip. Great time of the year to be in the BWCA, especially with the chance of some extra grouse protein. You will find grouse everywhere, just take a hike through the woods away from camp and you'll find them.
That time of the year there are far less people, but the fall colors and a string of good weather can make it busy some years. If I am specifically going for hunting, I try to get father in to avoid populous areas. I feel some people may not appreciate hearing gun shots throughout the day. It's amazing how many times I hear people on the portages say, "why do they have guns?"
Also, I would recommend using a 20 Gauge or less for weight (for shells too). It makes a huge difference after doing 10-20 portages and may allow you to single portage more often.