Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Fishing Forum :: Some route advice!
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whiteyrm |
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thegildedgopher |
Regulations pdf They’re really saving you from yourself. These portages for the most part would be a nightmare with a kayak on portage wheels. This isn’t a case of “they didn’t tell me,” it’s a case of you not knowing the rules, which has never been a good defense for breaking the rules. |
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treehorn |
I really can't tell you which of these are known for great pike fishing, but just a few that come to mind would be 54 into Seagull, 55 into Saganaga, 41 into Brule, 28 into Snowbank, 25 into Moose/Ensign (kind of doubt you'd make it to Knife with that boat), 24 into Basswood (discussed above). |
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whiteyrm |
Is a couple long carries worth that hateful part of a slow canoe and blowing all over the place while fishing? I don't know. More time will be spent fishing than portaging so it's really deciding the most value, I guess. A friend said the portages through to Knife are popular and worn down so easy. Regardless, I'd love fewer people and great fishing. I'm greedy. Should I do Knife or Basswood just for the wildlife and fishing part? Thank you! Tomorrow I'm off to Adirondack Island camping to hold me over as I wait for this! |
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HighnDry |
Of course, you can't go wrong by using Moose Lake entry to head into Basswood. You would be heading west instead of east with one portage on the Canadian side around the falls. Just my two cents. |
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mmarksnp |
I would go to the permit site and check out available permits at the various entry points. When you find a site that fits, then look for an outfitter in close proximity. Or do the opposite and contact outfitters for advice. Many have bunk houses for your first night where you can prep, gear up for current fishing conditions and have a wonderful experience. Outfitters will take you to the entry point in the morning. Please review leave no trace principles before you go if you are not already good to go and please review the required Forest Service videos. Good luck and good fishing! |
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whiteyrm |
I am mainly a fisherman from the Adirondacks so I’m used to the paddle, camping, etc. but wholly about the fishing really. I want to beat my 39" pike record from the Adirondacks so I’m looking for great pike fishing ideas. Plan to get a mixed bag, but that's my main goal. I'm bringing my own fishing kayak, but it's a heavy sit on top and it doesn’t have wheels to attach. Any suggestions on routes? I plan to go at least 5 days, maybe more. Should I go Basswood and then deeper into the woods after or the other side and head into Knife etc.? Can I park at all entrances? And portaging is fine, but ideally using the wheels is better than trying to unload a kayak and drag that heavy thing, but if it's worth It, I'll do it. Thank you so much! |
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trailchief |
I have to chime in on boat choice as well. I have solo tripped in my 14.5' sit-in kayak. They make a special yoke that clamps onto the hatch that makes portaging the kayak possible. But it still sucks! I normally use my SR Q17 for trips because that's what it's made for. I also have a fishing kayak and there is no way in hell I would ever try to portage that thing! I'm 6'2" and 215# and fairly fit and unless you're an NFL tight end in game shape or a Cross fit champion, DON'T DO IT! Like Jackfish said, you're gonna want to burn that thing! |
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Jackfish |
whiteyrm: "...and if I can use my already outfitted fishing kayak or have to utilize something else that I rent. Tough choice. " Not a tough choice at all. If you're staying on one lake for the entire time, bring it. If you're not, don't. If you try to portage that thing, you'll be ready to burn it 50 yards into your first portage. Just rent a canoe and plan your trip accordingly. Don't drive all the way from New York and not enjoy what you're doing. |
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thegildedgopher |
Also if by chance your kayak has foot pedals, that’s a no-go as well. Its tough to get too far into the bwca with a kayak. Good luck! |
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whiteyrm |
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thegildedgopher |
I still don’t know what you mean by the state site. Bwca is a federally managed wilderness area so you wanna be on USFS.gov and go from there. I’ll say you could do a LOT worse than just staying on basswood if you are after pike. I’m fairly sure those waters are home to our state record set in 1929. Also... are you planning to camp in the bw or take day trips in. I ask because you mentioned next week and the bw is currently closed to camping. Day permits only thru May 18 at the earliest. |
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HighnDry |
The next year he returned with a canoe. |
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whiteyrm |
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A1t2o |
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