I have been rebuilding my grandfathers old Rushton canoe and been inspired to take it up to BWCA this September once I have it done.  I gave up on that idea because I don't want to risk damage after spending all this time and money on the rebuild.  Anyway, having already gained leave approval from both my wife and work, I am taking a trip from 01 September to 09 September.  Also one of my life goals is to catch a fish in every state and this is my Minnesota outing.  I love fishing for smallies and northern pike.  I have a basic trip route in mind and would like opinions and advice.  Here are some particulars:

• This is 4 dudes, 40s to 50s.  First timers to BWCA
• ​We'll likely leave Ohio zero dark thirty on Saturday, 01 September, arrive BWCA early evening, presumably at an outfitter to stay the night and rent canoes.
• Depart Entry Point 22/23, Mudro at first light
• Make our way to campsite 1566 which is the eastern fork of the south end of Basswood Lake.  This would be basecamp for 6 nights. 
• Looks like this area has a handful of decent campsites, as well as access to a few other lakes/arms of basswood.
• I've read that Basswood has decent fishing. 
•  

To me this is a reasonable first trip into the BWCA but thought I would get some feedback.  Outfitters?  Canoe types/sizes?  Fishing tips?  Camp sites?  Anyone recommend another approach?

Jhepp, 

Glad to see another Ohioan headed up north, BWCA might be my favorite place in N. America, and I'm only short 2 states out of the lower 48.  That being said, I'll add a couple things to Gavia's post.

Canoe:  I own a Sourris River 17.5 Prospector and love it for those lakes.  I've never used a Minnesota II, but I've heard plenty of good things about them so that should be fine as well.  Whichever outfitter you go with will certainly know where to direct you. 

As for your trip up/back, if you get the chance, driving through Michigan and the UP in particular is way better from a scenery standpoint than going around through Chicago or Indy....  Not a drastic difference in time either. 

Never been to Basswood, but I've always had much better fishing on smaller lakes vs. the big ones.  That being said, I'm not a serious fisherman, I suspect that you have more experience in that area.   A couple things I will mention about fishing though....  I've been going to the BWCA/Quetico my whole life (30+) trips and I find that the easiest way to fish, especially when traveling is to troll.  Simply clip on a 5.25 to 7inch Rapala, Shad Rap, Spoon, ect and drag it 25-75 yards behind you. Some people use steel leaders as well to keep pike from cutting the line, though since I switched to braided line I've not had a problem. For Rapala type lures, Perch and Fire Tiger will always be my favorite colors.  Standard Silver and Gold typically work as well.    To make trolling easier, use a Rod Holder.  Be aware that they're not all created equal. 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Tite-Lok-Rod-Holder-With-C-Mount/699615.uts?slotId=3   Link to the one I use.  The C-clamp fits over the gunwale, and with a small piece of plywood on either side of the canoe it doesn't hurt the Kevlar.  Course you'd probably have to clear it with the outfitter you rent from.  

Secondly, just cause it's a shameless plug for a buddy, and a local Ohio guy, look up Big Joshy Swimbaits.  As I said, I don't fish that much but I've had outstanding success with them, including a 21" Smallie out of Paint Creek in South Central Ohio.  

I'd also agree with Gavia that you should strongly consider moving once or twice, especially on a lake the size of Basswood you have lots of area to see and explore, which is something you certainly want to do if possible.  Additionally pack at least one set of warm clothes, I got snowed on once in the second week of Sept... unlikely, but better to be prepared. 

Have fun and stay safe, you'll be back for sure!

Edited by user Monday, January 29, 2018 6:00:03 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Originally Posted by: jhepp

I also downloaded the contour maps from this site but wasn't able to open them.If I can figure that out with Google Maps or whatever, I may at least know where the deeper holes are and not bother with the fish finder.

If you can't get the Google Earth downloads to work, each lake is linked to the MN DNR Lake Finder. That is where the contour maps come from. Just click on a lake on the interactive map and follow the MN DNR link.