Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Quetico Forum :: Help with Quetico trip
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MichiganJohn |
I am trying to take the big step of planning a Quetico trip. All of my kids have gotten to choose a senior trip when they graduate high school, and bless his heart, my son wants to do a Canadian smallie fishing trip. We have been to the BWCA many times together, but have never ventured into Quetico. We would be doing this trip in 2024 so I have a good amount of time to plan a great trip. Looking for the best smallie action we can get on, even if we need to do a fly in style trip. With so much info out there, I thought I would get more believable and accurate information from right here than anywhere else. Just recommending an honest and reliable outfitter would be helpful, but will take any information and wisdom you would consider sharing. Not only about the fishing, but wisdom about Quetico in general. We have a nervous excitement thinking about going there for first time and I want to make sure I give him the trip of his dreams. So that means doing my homework and I figured I should start here. Thank you in advance for any Quetico knowledge you can bestow upon us. - Michigan John |
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cburton103 |
My largest smallmouth have come from Kawnipi and Walter Lakes. My buddy's biggest came from Crooked. I have no doubt that many Q lakes produce 20-22" smallies, and 17-19" smallies in significant numbers. Murdoch is one of my favorite lakes for numbers of smallmouth. We did great for numbers of smallies on Sturgeon last year as well. Part of the experience for me is the travel to remote lakes where it's unlikely to share the lake. There's something magical about being the only group on a big lake. That takes some extra work upfront, which takes away some fishing time. But with a 7+ day trip, that allows you time to do whatever you would like. |
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MichiganMan |
You'll find smallies all over in Quetico. Nearly all lakes have them. The problem is narrowing it down! There's lots of good suggestions above. Entering one of the northern entry points is also a good option. The drive is a little farther, but then you don't have to mess with a tow, the remote border crossing, and all that. Either way, be prepared for an awesome trip. Great to see another Michigan guy on here! |
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PineKnot |
PK |
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sns |
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plander |
Anderson's can put you up in a motel the night before you head out. Mark Anderson has lots of great advice for fishing the lakes on the western side of Quetico, especially those mentioned above. Anderson's |
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MichiganJohn |
Get on the fish and really enjoy the trip. Thanks again all!!’ |
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PineKnot |
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thinblueline |
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MichiganJohn |
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TrailZen |
You can find loads of trip reports on the site, get an idea of the right trip length for you & your son, decide on a route, etc. We've used Piragis Outfitters in Ely many times, but have slowly built up a gear collection that allows us to completely outfit ourselves now, which allows more flexibility for entry points. We haven't fished for ~15 years now, so can't help you with pinpointing small-mouth hotspots, but you'll find lots of info in the fishing forum as well as in other trip reports. Hope you have a fantastic trip. Do the planning as a joint effort--that's half the adventure! TZ |
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unshavenman |
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sns |
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goblu79 |
I have never entered Q from Atikokan (fires kept me out in 2021) but I've fished the White Otter/Turtle River provincial park twice and had FANTASTIC fishing both times. I mention this, because Canoe Canada Outfitters(https://canoecanada.com/) does do fly-ins to White Otter to their cabins if this is a route you might prefer. Entering from the U.S side, I have always used Canadian Waters(https://canadianwaters.com/) as our outfitter and they have treated me very well. I really don't think you can go far wrong with any of them though. I hope you guys have a wonderful experience! |