So, I am hitting the BWCA sometime between 9/15 and 9/25. Last minute and the only EP that has easy permits is EP for Trout Lake. I have never been in this area and I am looking for some advice.

Typically, I go 4-6 lakes in to establish a base camp and go from there. I like trying to get to areas that "the fewer the people I see, the better" as I love solitude in the pure nature provided by the BWCA. I also love to catch fish.

For anyone who knows the area, should I work my way into Western or simply go into Pine and look at day trips using the creeks out of Pine (if passable) if catching fish was the main priority.

I appreciate any and all feedback. Can't wait to get in there.

I like Pine Lake for Walleye and Northerns, but it can be busy and you can sometimes hear boats from Vermilion. I'd head to Buck or Western for fishing.

egknuti: "I like Pine Lake for Walleye and Northerns, but it can be busy and you can sometimes hear boats from Vermilion. I'd head to Buck or Western for fishing. "

I agree. If you can get to Western you will be in an area few people take the time to go. I had hoped to make it up there myself a couple years ago from the Crab Lake EP but weather didn't cooperate.

Both lakes can bring solitude. But obviously, the deeper the better!
I enjoyed my time on both lakes, but would have spent more time on Buck/Western if given the chance.
Both lakes should produce fish for you.

I would consider doing Buck/Western for 75% and Pine on the way out.
It's a nice area!

Thanks for the note and the advice

Hey thanks for the reply, helps alot as I have never been in the area

Thanks for the note

I'd camp on Buck. Western is not much to look at but good fishing.

I agree with Jamotrade. I would camp on Buck, and hit the site across from Chad if it is open. Definitely the better of the 2 sites. The campsite across from the portage to Western is smaller, more open and looked to be in rougher shape in 2025 The campsite on western looked rough. Lots of blow down when i was on Western in 2025. Walleye fishing for me was better in Western than Buck, but caught some nice smallmouth and Pike in Buck. On a day trip it would be worth the walk over Cummings. While the portage is long, it is pretty level and well maintained (or was in 2025). Great small mouth fishing and big pike on the West end.

I echo what everyone else said about getting off of Pine if solitude is your aim. I went through there a couple of years ago. I didn't stay on Pine at all but did spend the first night on Chad and from there I could hear motors from boats on Trout. Next day I camped on Buck (on the site straight across from the portage from Chad) and had the whole lake to myself. That's where I would camp if I were you. I didn't fish but reports here and elsewhere say that fishing is good on Buck and you could easily day trip to fish Western and even west end of Cummings if you want.

Scott, let us know how the trip went.
I'm headed into the same area on 10/7.