Looking for information as to a good first trip into Quetico [June 2007] from a veteran BWCA'r.......entry location, great fishing, etc......
Certainly appreciate any information.

You can not go wrong with a trip to the Pickerel Lake Region. I have been there a few times and love the area. AWESOME fishing for all species. Great campsites. We entered in at Nym both times for our entry point. It is a great time up there. We went to Buckingham lake a stayed a few days as well and let me tell you GREAT fishing. We stayed at the campsite that is in the BWJ from spring of 05 I believe. Nice site. We also stayed a few nights in Pickerel Narrows. That was very nice with tremendous fishing as well. Any other info on that area that is needed just let me know.

Our group entered at Beaverhouse after being shuttled in from Crane Lake. We paddled across the southern part of Quetico Lake into Jean Lake, then to Burntside. We had a couple day layover in burntside and enjoyed some awesome fishing. Then off to Rouge Lake to Sturgeon, where we had another lay over. From there we paddled down the Maligne river into Tanner Lake. Maligne river to Lac La Croix. Awesome trip, relatively short and infrequent portages(Except for the Maligne leaving Sturgeon) But all were easy. Great fishing!

Kawnipi. Some view as the greatest Walleye lake in the World.

Head in through Lac La Croix with a tow and up to the Argo-Darky area and points east.

Argo has the clearest lake water I have ever seen and there is good fishing and scenery wherever you head.

I agree with Bogwalker. Argo, Darky, and Roland are great. Awesome fishing, scenery, wildlife, and even pictographs. Not many people is an added plus. The Darky river was the hardest paddle we had because we were going up stream.

I am in full agreement with Beemer. Kawnipi is going to be tough to beat. Maybe the best fishing/wilderness experience out there. Just remember the new rules next year, no more live bait which may make it much tougher to catch those walleyes!!!

Picci. The Lake, the weather, is the fishing on or off? Does it really matter? The company, the friendship, and the memories made, now that's what matters. I can never thank you enough for introducing me to this part of the world. Oh yea. That monster that I landed, that matters. Sorry to keep braggen. But what was more exciting? The Fish or the visitor? You know what I'm talking about. I can't wait till June.

pici-

If you haven't already, be sure to check out the Trip Reports Forum for the Quetico trips posted there. I went on my first Q trip last year. I was along on the June Beaverhouse/Maligne River trip with Moose Plums - just a beautiful route. Awesome fishing in Burntside Lake. I've read great things about all the routes mentioned - it's all good! No matter where in Quetico you decide to go, you are in for an adventure!

Don't sweat the new no live bait law too much. Fish in June just aren't all that fussy. We brought in live bait (leeches) but had equal success with GULP 3" leeches.

You didn't mention the length of your trip. But if the emphasis will be on fishing, you'll want to consider a trip that allows for more layover time vs travel time.

The planning is half the fun!

Beemer- Do you enter at Cache Bay to get to Kawnipi, or via Moose Lake? I was talking to Mr Barley about going to that very lake a couple of weeks ago.

Go through Cache Bay to get to Kawnipi. The Falls are spectacular and the fishing on the way is awesome. Less people to deal with also. It is a trip of a lifetime. Watch the wind on cache bay. In the last few years 2 people have died going accross (not wearing life vest). I always choose an early am tow to Hook Island from Seagull Outfitters. The live bait deal is debateable. Obviously Snakecharmer has his opinion, and I have mine. I have made twenty Quetico trips and it does make a difference in the quality of your fishing. You may still catch fish but not as many and not any in tough conditions when a leech or crawler make the difference. Fishing may not be as important to you as it is to me either. Have a blast and savor every moment

Moheep makes a good point and I share his opinion on live bait. Day in and day out live bait will out-produce artificials, particularly in tough fishing conditions. The bottom line is that live bait is no longer an option in Quetico. That's what you have to work with. You will be fishing in June, the month that offers, overall, perhaps the most favorable fishing conditions all year. Now I'm not a Berkley shareholder, but the stuff works and I can wholeheartedly recommend it. You won't have any trouble putting fish on the stringer sans live bait. Enjoy!

I am admittedly a newbie to the BWCA (1 Trip), Quetico has an intriguing allure and I know it is just a matter of time before We will travel within its boundaries. I have a question I hope is not repetitive, while this message board has been a fantastic source of information I have also gotten maps, lakes, routes from books by R. Beymer and D.Pauly on the BWCA. What books or guides would you be able to recommend about Quetico.
Thanks for any guidance.

I agree with the Falls Chain entry.There is no other more scenic route with great fishing.We did a daytrip to Kawnipi for eyes but all the traffic up the falls is headed to Kawnipi,we basecamped on McEwen lake and had the whole lake to ourselves with one canoe passing through the whole week in June. McEwen is loaded with smallie northerns and lakers but we had to daytrip to Kawnipi for eyes.
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Quote from Boppa
"What books or guides would you be able to recommend about Quetico."

Hey Boppa if you liked the Beymer guide books for the BWCAW, he also writes one for Quetico. "A Paddler's Guide to Quetico Provincial Park", I don't know if it is still in print, but if you check Piragis.com, Amazon.com, or redrockstore.com ---one of them might have it.

Tim

Kevheads. McEwen is an awesome lake. I love it. Did you catch any of the big pike in there?? We caught some gators in there a couple years ago.

MoHeep,no big gators but lost count of the 20"+ smallies.

Moose Plums -

I've reach Kawnipi via Agnes and also via the Maligne River from the North. I'll do Cache Bay next.

Timatkn,
Thanks for the help. I found it where you suggested and have ordered. Some more cold, dark nights have you helped me with until ice out.

Leaving for Quetico Park next week and can't wait to start jigging for walleyes.
I consider parts of Pickerel Narrows as the best walleye fishing in North America.
We have pulled out at least one 28 inch walleye every trip for the past thirteen consecutive years.