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Author	Message Text
bobbernumber3	03/10/2019 03:40PM   You are coming to the right place. Do a lot of planning and prep. You could be making a big step in your fishing life!
QueticoMike	03/10/2019 12:44PM   Things are a little slow on the board right now, but I am sure some people will chime in and try to provide with some help. There is a trip planning forum on this message board, so you might also want to ask for help there as well in case they don't read the fishing forum. There is also a search function towards the top of the page. Search "first trip" "checklist" "gear list" to give you an idea of what all is needed for a trip. Here is a link for planning a trip Planning Info You need to figure out if you are going to stay on the American side in the Boundary Waters or crossing the border to Quetico. Quetico permits are more expensive than staying in the BW. You have to get an Outdoors card from Canada so you can buy a fishing license. You also have to get a RABC remote area border crossing permit so you can cross the border without going through customs. You have to fill out the application form, give them your credit card info for a 30 buck charge and you have to supply a copy of your passport or two forms of ID like a birth certificate and drivers license. Then if you don't have any felonies or OVIs they will probably approve you for a permit. Most people go on trips on average I would say for a week at a time. I typically go through Ely, Mn. and use Piragis Northwoods Co. if going to the BW and Williams and Hall outfitters if I'm going to Quetico. Call either or both of these locations, they would be happy to answer any questions you might have. They have all the gear and supplies required for full or partial outfitting. Best time for smallmouth is typically late May through June
CityFisher74	03/14/2019 11:21AM   carmike: "If traveling that far to fish smallies, I'd advise you to put the time of year (late May-early June) as the NUMBER ONE consideration. It's a bit tough because each year is different and you could hit it wrong, but that gives you the best chance of catching fish. If you hit it right, nothing else really matters -- they'll hit a twig if you throw it out there (true story). " I agree with this. From that distance make sure you come at the right time. That said, my goodness there are no "bad" times to fish in the boundary waters if you are comparing it to anything outside of the boundary waters in my opinion. There are exceptions obviously but BWCA is lightyears ahead of 99% of local fisheries. Other tips I would offer up for a long distance trip like yours would be to make sure you come for a full week. This not only gives you time to get used to your lake, but also allows you to get a bit deeper into the BWCA which I would suggest. I would suggest a less-busy lake deeper into the BWCA.
BWfishingfanatic12	03/10/2019 12:39PM   This is a great place for you to learn a lot of information. There are a lot of variables to your question. If you are looking for mainly Smallmouth fishing I would suggest the first couple weeks of June. Most lakes in the Boundary Waters have SMB but many areas are much better than others. The first main question for you would be how hard are you willing to work for the fish? Are you willing to travel a long ways or would you like to do more of a base camping trip? We bring all of our own gear so I can't help you there but there are a lot of great outfitters up near the Boundary waters area. They will help point you to great fishing as well! I'm not as familiar with Quetico.
deancal20	03/12/2019 09:51AM   I saw you post and it caught my interest. We have been going to Quetico for the last four years and have loved it but since I am from the states I never new of Crown land. How do I get maps or directions of where to go. We are already locked in for Quetico for this year with permits and everything. I would like to pursue you option someday.
carmike	03/13/2019 01:05PM   If traveling that far to fish smallies, I'd advise you to put the time of year (late May-early June) as the NUMBER ONE consideration. It's a bit tough because each year is different and you could hit it wrong, but that gives you the best chance of catching fish. If you hit it right, nothing else really matters -- they'll hit a twig if you throw it out there (true story).
missmolly	03/11/2019 08:04AM   Tristian, some consider this heresy at this website, but parks aren't your only option. Between the parks are great expanses of woods and waters and you're allowed to paddle, camp, and fish there. It's called Crown Land and I prefer it because I like solitude. You can access amazing lakes brimming with bass via logging roads, which require a four-wheel drive vehicle. The fishing is so good that I'll often park my car, walk ten yards to the shoreline, and catch a fish on my first cast. However, not all the lakes require a four-wheel drive vehicle. Here's a fish from a lake that's beside a paved road. A couple summers back, I caught five bass its size or bigger in one day at the same roadside lake, plus many smaller fish. You'll notice in the photo that my arm is extended behind my head to give you a better sense of the size of the fish. An average fish in that lake is 17.5 inches. I've never caught even a 15-incher there and all the times I've fished it, I've had that lake to myself. Here's an article I wrote about Crown Land paddling.
Tristian cox	03/10/2019 09:51AM   Hello All, I came across QueticoMike's Instagram and have been inspired to come up and fish the Quetico Boundary Waters. I am from NJ and love smallmouth fishing. Most of the fishing near me is subpar at best - so I find myself traveling to get quality fishing. I have been to Canada once. I really do not where to start. I guess my first few questions are: Where? Canoe Rentals? Common trip lengths or itineraries , and best time to come up if I want to catch a decent amount of Smallmouth.
deancal20	03/12/2019 10:00AM   I read more carefully your post and saw your article. Thanks for the info. If you want to pass on any fishing tips and locations any would be welcomed.
deancal20	03/12/2019 10:11AM   I have used both Canoe Canada and Camp Quetico as outfitters. We like staying over night at Camp Quetico before we go in because it is nice to get a good evening meal after a long drive. For a fee they will take you to whatever entry point you want and will pick you up. You are not allowed to leave a US car in Quetico overnight. We love the pristine experience of Quetico. I did look at the reply about Crown land. That sounds like quite an adventure for the very experienced. Maybe some day. I go for walleye, pike and lakers. I enjoy catching smallies but prefer the others. Good luck and have a safe trip.
AmarilloJim	03/12/2019 12:32PM   deancal20: "I have used both Canoe Canada and Camp Quetico as outfitters. We like staying over night at Camp Quetico before we go in because it is nice to get a good evening meal after a long drive. For a fee they will take you to whatever entry point you want and will pick you up. You are not allowed to leave a US car in Quetico overnight. We love the pristine experience of Quetico. I did look at the reply about Crown land. That sounds like quite an adventure for the very experienced. Maybe some day. I go for walleye, pike and lakers. I enjoy catching smallies but prefer the others. Good luck and have a safe trip. " I believe that is only at Stanton Bay EP.
missmolly	03/12/2019 12:54PM   deancal20: "I read more carefully your post and saw your article. Thanks for the info. If you want to pass on any fishing tips and locations any would be welcomed." There are so many great lakes. If one doesn't produce, just mosey to the next. At many lakes, your first cast will produce a fish. I use surface lures in the morning and evening and leeches in-between. As always, look for current, like where islands pinch the water or a stream mouth. If you plan to eat fish, DO NOT KEEP YOUR first fish or your second or your third or your.... You'll just have to drag the damn fish behind you all morning. Pike are in nearly every lake. They're tasty and when it's time to eat lunch, just troll a crankbait back to the campsite. That fish'll feed you and it'll be so fresh!