Hi All!
I am a first time BWCAW trip planner, and looking to get some advice! We're going in with canoes, a couple of pups, and are mostly looking to do a lot of fishing. 

Any helpful tips- where to go, what to keep in mind, etc. will be VERY much appreciated! 

Thanks in advance!

We're just in the very beginning stages of planning, so no permits yet (not sure if this will be a trip we plan to do at the end of this summer or wait until next summer), and I don't know which side we plan to be on. I've been trying to look at the interactive map and read up on different sites to get some knowledge on where to go, but there's a lot to look at! 

We'd do at least a long weekend (4 days-ish) if not a full week. And would plan to have a base camp I believe! 

I'll definitely take a look at that website! Thanks!

Yes, that would be great if you would email it to me! You have my permission for sure :) 

Thank you!! 

All good suggestions in here  Many of the active users here are BW veterans (10+ years) and will be giving you sound advice. My first BWCA canoe trip came less than 2 years ago, so in this community I'm still a newbie. This being said, Northern MN's canoe country has captured my heart and this year I'm planning trips #4 (5 days in May) and #5 (15 days in September) as well as many other trips planned outside BWCA.

In my opinion, your experience level with real world fishing/camping and gear should determine how much you rely on the outfitter. As you'd guess your spending goes up the more you need to depend on the outfitter. If you're on a budget and want to go without spending a ton of money, just be sure to do your homework ahead of time. While some people don't like to worry about every small detail, I found that the trip planning process is one of my favorite parts of the trip. It gives the added bonus for me and my trip partners to have some extra time together to talk about our trip while drinking beers at the pub. I first figure out a month and length of trip with my partners. Next find a destination fishing lake reachable in that timeframe (fish species and lake size plays into this decision). Last figure out the best way to get there (portage/paddle wise) while finding potential fishing/scenery spots along the way. This site's interactive maps and route planner can ease this entire process (props to Ben!). I like to check out specific trip reports in the same month/area for an idea of what you might encouter.

If you're specifically planning a fishing trip, be sure your partners are looking for the same. I've been on trips where one person sits on shore while everyone else goes out fishing. This can result in a bad trip and can ruin the experience (at least for one of your members). Remember that weather/bugs/fish do not always cooperate as you're plans intend, be willing and ready to adjust accordingly.  Best of luck out there!

Originally Posted by: BillConner

I still use an outfitter, but have all my own gear, prepare my own food, and make my reservations. I use an outfitter primarily for lodging, when needed a shuttle, sometimes parking, the odd piece of gear or missing map, and permit issuing. I've also purchased a lot of my gear and canoe - all used - from my outfitter. And they usually have the very latest on conditions, closed sites, and gossip, not to mention they are a great source of the history.

I also use the outfitters for the same purpose. They can also give you some good fishing tips as well :)

Originally Posted by: Xander

If your doing a short weekend that sounds like a few portages enjoy it as much a possible trip to me. I know of one that you might consider with no portages and access to more territory than you can cover in 4 days.

Last time I was camping at Hook Island on Saganaga the night before exit, after a long enjoyable trip on the Falls Chain, I seen across the lake a group get dropped off at American Point. I watched them set up camp on an Island and they were out fishing in no time. As far as I could see in every direction no campers anywhere. We didn't see anyone in the area coming in and and going out. I thought what a deal. A simple boat tow ride in and you have the whole place to yourself.

The benefit is you get dropped at American Point and you can go anywhere from there. You can base camp and have a huge area to explore. If the Gun Flint Trail entry is convenient for you, for a small cost of a tow, you can be camping in an awesome spot night one. Spend a few days to explore and get picked up.

If you like fishing you can also get a lake depth map for Saganaga.

You can also take a day trip to a few places from there to see what portages are like.

Good Luck Have Fun
 

Agree with Xander, Sag is indeed a great place. Been there half a dozen times, and I think it'll always be my favorite. Depending on your skill level be careful in the big water. Wind out of the northwest can move pretty fast between Munker Island and Hook Island. If you get wind out of the east you're probably already having a rough day, but Sag can really take it up a notch. A detour in the lee of the islands as you paddle toward American Point can save effort in the long run. Or if you're willing to shell out for a tow, you can skip the tough parts.

Portages in that area are minimal for the most part, so base camping on Sag, Ottertrack, or Knife is totally doable with easy access to nearby lakes for a variety of fishing. My career biggest northern was in the south end of Ottertrack, and the biggest walleye that either my wife or I caught was in Swamp by the Plume portage.