Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: First time trip for 2 sons
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Jackfish |
I wouldn't look for a route that's TOO easy, but just enough of a challenge to give them a taste of portaging, loading and unloading the canoes at the landings, and paddling on different lakes. Make sure they have plenty of time to fish, swim, throw rocks in the lake, sit around the campfire... basically do kid stuff. Make sure they eat great and have a great time regardless of the weather. It's my hope that you'll have paddling partners for life. |
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Captn Tony |
Maybe someone who has been there more recently can give you better information. |
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rdgbwca |
My understanding is that late June is good for Smallies and Walleye. I would recommend taking some leeches in a bait keepr. I would rig them with a slip bobber or search this site for TGO method. Here is one thread about first time trips. |
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twistertail |
Get the boys involved in the planning as much as possible. For us, that was a lot fun. |
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OCDave |
Good Luck |
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Captn Tony |
Take a tow to American Point on Big Saganaga Go down through Red Rock, Alpine, Seagull and have the tow pick you up on Seagull. Good fishing, a chance for a grand slam. Another fun option is to take the Granite River the fishing isn't as good as the above but a lot of fast water, small lakes, waterfalls, and more senic. The portages on either trip are relatively easy with the 1st option having the easiest ones. Plus you get to take the scenic North Shore drive on the way up. |
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cyclones30 |
Some of them are on very large lakes (Brule, Saganaga, etc) and that can be good and bad. Others like Lake One can be busy but super easy to get between a bunch of areas all linked together. Or you could put in at Hog Creek and only have the short portage from the car to the creek. Couple hours of winding around a small creek and you hit Perent lake which is pretty much a dead end lake. But plenty of size and islands and such not not feel like you've seen it all in a day or two. |
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Ohiopikeman |
The fishing in Bald Eagle and Gabbro is excellent for SM Bass, Walleye, and Pike. Once you are base camped in Bald Eagle, you can day-trip and do as much portaging as your heart desires into Gull Lake, Pietro, Clearwater, and Turtle Lakes. I've been on this trip numerous times with 1st timers in the 8-12 year old range and they each had a blast. Dave |
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scramble4a5 |
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brownman66 |
The other trip I’m considering is taking the tow up Moose and going in to Ensign. It’s the trip I have done in the past, it’s easy and good fishing! But I know it can be “crowded”. That doesn’t totally bother me actually as busy is relative in the BWCA. More interested in the best fishing options. Anyone have fishing/trip experience for both Ensign and Red Rock/Alpine? How would you compare? |
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lindylair |
I heartily agree with both the Baker Lake and Homer Lake options. Both very easy entries with good fishing and daytrip options. You can be in camp within a few hours. The Baker Lake area is known for frequent moose sightings and has an old abandoned gold mine to check out. The Homer area offers several route options but also the Vern River for exploration. Sawbill and Sawtooth are both great outfitters who can help get you setup. Wherever you go I am sure it will be a great trip. |
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brownman66 |
Thanks for the great tips and suggestions!! |
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WHendrix |
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brownman66 |
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brownman66 |
Regarding Ely vs Gunflint...I’m open to either option. I’ve only gone on trips out of Ely, so that was my initial thought (and it’s a bit closer)...but if there are equal or better options out of the Gunflint area, I’m up for suggestions! Thank you!! |
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cyclones30 |
Leeches and slip Bonner for walleye, smallies shouldn't be hard to find. Pick your entry first, then find outfitter nearby. Ely has a bunch, if you go out of Tofte area either Sawbill or Sawtooth are good. Still not quite the travel time it takes to get up th Gunflint |
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straighthairedcurly |
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bombinbrian |
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Abbey |
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GetNorth |
PS - the older brother flies F-18 super hornets, so don't feel bad for him. |
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walllee |
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brownman66 |
I am planning a BWCA trip with my two boys for Fathers Day weekend (June 19-21). They are 12 and 14 and this will be their first trip to the BWCA. I have done three trips with my college buddies, but it's been several years. As this is my boys' first trip, I'm looking for recommendations on an "easy" BWCA experience. Probably 2-3 nights max. My plan is to set up a base camp somewhere and our primary goal is fishing. In the past I have taken a Moose Lake tow and done a base camp out of Ensign. We had decent fishing, but we also went later in the year (August). I'd love to hear about comments about: - Trip ideas (where to base camp) - Outfitters to use - Timing (is mid/late June good for smallies and walleye?) Any other tips/ideas would be greatly appreciated! I can't wait for my boys to experience the BWCA!! Thanks in advance!! |