BWCA Early June for Fishing/Basecamp Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
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fcrugbyhooker
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12/25/2016 08:57AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
My 13 year old son and I have decided to take our 7th trip (first 6 to BWCA) to the Quetico. We're looking to catch our first lake trout and then concentrate on walleyes and smallies. We are relatively hardy, but really enjoy base camping and fishing hard. I am open to a tow or outfitter service and even traveling a "bit" to base if necessary.

I have been to the North Bay area 1 time when live bait was still permitted, and it was the best fishing trip I've had, so would consider that route again.

In reading some of the other recent trip suggestions, the Northern routes from Canada, like Nym Lake west of Atikokan, sound intriguing too.

I know everyone watching this topic is super knowledgeable so any thoughts would be appreciated!!! Cheers!
 
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12/25/2016 02:12PM  
You'll probably get a lot of recommendations for that combination so here is one that is not too difficult or time consuming to get to and will fulfill the fishing requirements. Try getting into Cirrus from Beaverhouse. You can have an outfitter drop you off or you could get your vehicle in there -- just take that last 1/4 mile slow because the road narrows when you take the left off of the logging road (it's marked with signage). Two portages will put you into Cirrus by midday if you are moving slowly (sooner if you folks paddle and portage faster) You could also opt for Quetico Lake with one portage. Both are good options for lakers and walleyes with shallow bays for SM especially if you go in the early part of the season. Some really nice 4- and 5-star sites are on both lakes for basecamping. These are just a few of the suggestions. Others will certainly give you more.
PineKnot
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12/26/2016 11:21AM  
My best fishing trips (some basecamping) with my two boys (now in their early-20s) were from Beaverhouse into Jean, Quetico, and Cirrus, with grand slam potential in all three lakes....we've always had better fishing results in Jean and Quetico, but better campsites in Quetico and Cirrus....

Although a bit harder to get there, we've had some really good fishing trips from Nym/Stanton Bay entries into Pickerel, Antoine, Sturgeon, McDougall, Lonely, Draper and Walter....
gymcoachdon
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12/26/2016 07:10PM  
quote PineKnot: "...we've had some really good fishing trips from Nym/Stanton Bay entries into Pickerel, Antoine, Sturgeon, McDougall, Lonely, Draper and Walter...."


Tell me more about Lonely, Draper, and Walter. I found them on the map, but not lakes that are usually mentioned in trip reports.
12/26/2016 07:51PM  
quote gymcoachdon: "
quote PineKnot: "...we've had some really good fishing trips from Nym/Stanton Bay entries into Pickerel, Antoine, Sturgeon, McDougall, Lonely, Draper and Walter...."



Tell me more about Lonely, Draper, and Walter. I found them on the map, but not lakes that are usually mentioned in trip reports."


See Stu's grand slam series on walleyes in his BWJ. Draper gets pretty good walleye ratings followed by Walter and Lonely. I was with a group on Jesse (the 5 star island site) and one of our party pulled out a 36-inch blue-eyed lunker. It's on your way and a pretty lake as well. Just saying.
Hillbilly
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01/06/2017 12:19PM  
Ive never even heard of a 36" walleye you got a pic of that one? I have gotten up to 27" 28" but never 30" which is huge. Check out my trip reports we had a great time on Jean and Quetico a couple years back but Jean takes a little work getting to.

Another option would be McAree with Andersons/Zups for a base camp that is great lake for all 4 species with good day trips around. Pulling/Dahlin for bass. Was thinking of doing that with my daughter soon.

Saganagons base camp another option easy to get to with great fishing.

Cheers!

Aaron
01/06/2017 03:44PM  
Went through those lakes this last Fall. Draper is a dead end lake with only one real camp site so if you get it, you have the lake to yourself. Can't really comment on the fishing much as it was pretty windy on my stay there. Although I can say there are way more SMB in there than I care for.
QueticoMike
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01/07/2017 06:00PM  
I don't think I have ever seen a 36 inch walleye either, would love to see a pic of that monster! The best lake I have found for Grand Slam fishing is Jean Lake. You can can make it there from Beaverhouse in a day without issue if you are in decent shape and the wind isn't blowing hard out of the east.

Here's my biggest walleye at 32 inches......

fcrugbyhooker
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01/07/2017 06:49PM  
We have decided on North Bay. It's been a long time since I've been there, and I think it will be the perfect first Quetico trip with my son. We had success in Side, Shade, and North Bay last time, so maybe we'll try a few new lakes in the area this time. Main goal is to get our first lake trout........
01/09/2017 12:59PM  
quote fcrugbyhooker: "We have decided on North Bay. It's been a long time since I've been there, and I think it will be the perfect first Quetico trip with my son. We had success in Side, Shade, and North Bay last time, so maybe we'll try a few new lakes in the area this time. Main goal is to get our first lake trout........"


Does North Bay have lake trout? Or are you planning to day trip for them?
fcrugbyhooker
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01/09/2017 01:28PM  
I know there are lake trout in North Bay, Shade, and Burke. Should be able to get one that time of the year. We usually go in August and we never fish for them, but I'm confident we'll get on the board........
01/09/2017 02:17PM  
POOHBAH
 
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