I know this is a long way off but just starting to think a about it. Summer 2012 my wife has agreed that we both can do something big for our 30th birthdays. I and my dad have both been to the BWCA. but never together. I would like to plan a trip up there together. My ideal trip would be about a week along and a lot of great fishing for walleye's, smallies and maybe a northern or two. We most likely won't have any sort of fish finder so I would mostly rely on on advice from you and outfitters. What do you find is the best way to locate fish or posible lakes that would be good fishing opportunities. Would a basse camp be best?
Thanks

Welcome! It's not too early to start making some decisions at all, to ensure a good permit you'll want to book early...oh wait it's only 2011. If your main goal is to just relax and catch fish, you can't beat Smallmouth fishing in canoe country. There are many routes and different techniques for finding and catching fish and I'm sure others will chime in with some great advice.

Thanks for the welcome, I'm also interested in any outfitters that have good fishing packages.

Having a map of the lakes with depths will show you any underwater structure the fish may hold too. Below the rapids are always a good place to start. I was below a series of rapids and we fished for hours catching and releasing all kinds of fish. Smallies would be caught for a while then the Pike would move in and then Walleye. It was an interesting cycle for sure. Any structure, trees rocks, usually hold fish. Inquire with all the outfitters for information and use the one who seems to be able to fit your requirements. All will give good advice on possible trips after they know what your looking for out of the trip. Enjoy!

quote tgruenke: "Thanks for the welcome, I'm also interested in any outfitters that have good fishing packages.


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TGO will tell you that all you need is a pole, line, a sinker, a hook, and a LEECH :) Seriously, though, if you have the time, stop by his place when you're up there for some tips.

A depth finder is nice but not necessary, especially before say mid July. There are plenty of Pike, Walleye, and Smallies relating to shoreline structure and near current areas early on.

I find I really can do some serious fishing if I spend more than one night in a campsite so a lazy loop or basecamping is best if your serious about fishing.