Thanks in advance!!!

** Also posted in the Trip Planning Forum **
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 would go out of Kawishiwi and stay in the Malberg/River area based on what you’re looking for. I’ve had much better fishing on those two lakes than anywhere around sawbill. There’s some great spots with moving water along River towards Alice and Fishdance to target. You’re more likely to find some peace and quiet and don’t forget to check out the pictographs if you’ll be in the area.

I would choose Kawishwi as well. I have been out of EP 37 3 different times and all were good trips. Glad you are thinking to push through Polly I would support that decision! Weirdly enough we have never done well on Malberg lake fishing. Have read plenty of reports about it being good but did not have much success in the several half days I have fished it. Not sure I ever fished prime time on the lake though in fairness. I would stay on Koma over Malberg personally. I think a lot of people just paddle through that lake and we have had fantastic fishing on Koma the couple time we have stayed there.

I think I have a trip report on our trip to that area on this website somewhere quite a few years ago. Lots of good options out of EP 37. We stayed on River lake one of the trips for a couple nights and did well for walleye and Smallmouth bass. Have also stayed a couple nights on Pan (NE of Malberg). A dead end (ish) lake with great walleye fishing as well. Haven't fished the Kawishwi River North of Malberg at all. Have heard great things about Alice but have never fished that either.

Have not went out of Sawbill at all so can't contrast the two but like EP 37 a lot. first section will all be burned but sure you know that in your research.