Thanks in advance!!!

Getting close to being that time to apply for a 2026 permit.

All of my past trips (8 total) have been out of Ely but this year we are wanting to try something different and see some new area.

I have narrowed my choices down to either EP 37 (Kawishiwi Lake) or EP 38 (Sawbill Lake). Will be using Sawbill Outfitters based on recommendations from others I trust.

If we go out of EP 37 our destination would be to get past Malberg on Day 2 with the goal of staying on River Lake for 4 nights. For EP 38 we would be targeting a basecamp on Burnt Lake. The extra portages going out of EP 37 don't bother us if it is ultimately more worth it.

We will be starting our trip on June 13th and exiting on the 19th. Once sitting up camp fishing (mainly walleye and smallmouth) will be the focus of our trip. We are experienced in BWCA fishing and truly enjoy it along with the peace/quiet.

Which EP (37 or 38) would you recommend for us based on your experiences?

I can't speak for EP 37, but 38 offers multiple conveniences:
1. You literally portage about 20-30 rods on a road from the outfitter to a dock that gets you onto the water.
2. You have multiple lakes and base camp locations you can point your canoe towards and all of them are good options.
3. The fishing is decent pretty much anywhere in June.
4. On your return out, the Sawbill Outfitters have multiple showers so you can clean up for your ride home and not have to wait an hour + to use one. This may not be that big of a deal to everyone, but we travel 9 hours to get to the Boundary Waters, so it's vital that after being in the wilderness for a week that the hygiene of everyone is up to code for the ride home:-)

Side note. While I do prefer the Ely area a bit more myself, I've been to a few places on the East side of the BWCA and have enjoyed them all. One other EP you may want to consider is #47 (Lizz Lake). We did this one a couple years ago. You can rent from Rockwood Outfitters and you actually paddle right out from the Outfitters on Poplar Lake (very convenient) like you would at Sawbill. They also have bunks at Rockwood incase you need to spend the night before you put in the next morning. We paddled in, spent 3 days on Gaskins and 3 on Meeds in Mid June. Had good fishing and had 4 star base camps on both lakes. This area is not nearly as busy as the #37 and #38 EP's and have a lot to offer (including a higher possibility of moose sightings). Would recommend over Sawbill area just because it's the busiest time of year and the other two EP's you're looking at are popular and more populated with BWCA enthusiasts.

Hope all this helps and have a fantastic trip!

I think you'd have more campsite options/availability out of 37. If Burnt is full....whats the plan B?

I've heard very good things about the fishing on River...

I did ep37 this August as my solo trip. Camped the night before at Sawbill. I double portage and made camp on Malberg by 1230om.

I really liked that area and plan on going back soon.

cowdoc: "I think you'd have more campsite options/availability out of 37. If Burnt is full....whats the plan B?"

Agree with this.

If Burnt is full- (quite possible being that close to a busy entry and very easy to get to) -- it's back tracking or 200+ rod portage into Kelly and the Baker entry area.

#37 imo - though close- holds slightly better fishing potential.

Can't comment on EP 38, but I can highly recommend 37.

While you'll see some old (20 year?) burn areas in Square and Kawasachong, it would be interesting to see how the forest has come back. I'd also recommend campsite 1967 on Beaver if you get that far, and the walleye on Pan, going the other direction, were excellent a number of years ago. The pictos on Fishdance are also worth a look if you're interested in a daytrip.

Enjoy regardless!

I love the Sawbill entry, but I rarely stay anywhere nearby. Just too many people. Even with the reduced number of permits, it is a busy place. Lots of people looking to stay in the Sawbill/Alton/Kelso loop. Beth Lake is easy to get to with great campsites. The Fire Lakes are also just a hop skip and jump away with some equally amazing camping spots. Then there are the day trippers out of the campground. All of these lakes are within easy paddling from the Sawbill dock. If you go there, a couple of things you should try to see. Both are up the Kelso River north of Kelso Lake. Find the endangered carnivorous pitcher plants in the bog along the river. Also, run up to the Viking dolman along the Kelso River. Ask at Sawbill Outfitters for its location.

There would seem to be the same problem at Kawishiwi Lake, but it never works out that way. The wilderness just seems to swallow more people. Lake Polly can get busy, but get beyond that and it is another world. Koma has a couple of nice campsites. Malberg spreads people out and has great campsites. (There is a lot of paddling to get around what looks to be a small lake.). River Lake (Kawishiwi River) leads to some wonderful wilderness. Go to Fishdance Lake for the pictographs. I love to walk the portages to Alice Lake along the river. In June the rapids should be rocking! (You should spend some time fishing Alice Lake if you have time to get there.) Amber Lake is a secluded gem with a sand beach and walleye. Malberg Lake has at least one sand beach campsite. The northeast portage out of Malberg follows a canyon/falls that should be rocking in June. Take a paddle on the Louse River over to Frond/Boze Lakes. Still have too much time on your hands? Run up to Makwa Lake to take in the huge cliffs. As much as I love being at Sawbill, I am a huge fan of the Malberg Lake area.

As long as you are thinking of this area, you should also consider having Sawbill drop you at Kawishiwi and fish your way back to Sawbill along the Lady Lakes Chain. (Polly, Hazel, Knight, Phoebe, Grace, Beth). Some great walleye fishing on Phoebe Lake. Grace Lake can be good for both walleye and SMB. I love all the river paddling too. It's just a beautiful area.

Good Luck getting your permit and I hope you have a great trip!