I lived in Ely until I was 11. While I lived there I went on 4 or 5 trips into the BWCA. But that was a long time ago...I am now 34 and I am planning a trip for this coming summer. I would like some suggestions as to where to go and when. I am flexible as to when and where. I would like to leave (from shore) early (5 or 6 am) on day 1 and arrive at a base camp site by 3 or 4 pm. I would like a minimum of one portage but wouldn't mind as many as 3 as long as there arent torture. I would like to stay for 3 days and return on day 5. I would like to do some fishing and some day trips with a portage. I am looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of the BWCA. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh... there will be 2 to 4 people on this trip if that matters for sites to camp on.

My first trip was during the week of Labor Day, 1998. We got in at Moose Lake and went up to Ensign for 4 days I believe. There were some hikes up to Boot Lake which was the cleanest water I have ever seen. Heard some good reports of smallmouth bass there. The portages to Ensign were a piece of cake, the hike up to Boot was rough, pack light. There were many campsites as I recall on Ensign, we camped fairly close to the Boot Lake portage. I would recommend this trip. I have made two more trips since this one, both have been to Insula which is also very nice. The last portage of six total is sort of tough.

Have fun,

Aug

Thank you Aug... that is exactly where I was thinking of going after having researched it for a few days... thanks for backing me up.. =)How many hours do you think it would take to go from landing to a site on ensign (approx). I am wondering because one of the people that is thinking of coming is diabetic, and if for some reason they had to go to the doctor it would be good to know how long that would take.

Also, if anyone else has some tips for this area that would be great... are there any good lakes to portage to off of ensign... for a day trip??

Thanks Again,

D

I would check with an outfitter on time of travel, or maybe sombody else would have a better idea. I was thinking maybe 6 - 8 hrs. of paddling, but not hard. We went into Ensign about as far as you can go, you wouldn't have to go that far. There are also motorized boats that can carry your canoes and gear up to a certain point, That would help on the time issue also. If you look at the maps on this website you can check out lakes nearby for day trips. If you want to fish for Walleyes make sure you have some slip sinkers, hooks, nightcrawlers & leeches if possible. We have had the best luck drifting slowly and just dragging on the bottom.

Now I'm getting itchy to go again,

Aug