|
|
Posts: 91
| I was thinking about making a trip up to the BWCA in Ely next year for a 6 day canoe trip. I was thinking about going in mid-August-early September. Goal would be to have a good time fishing/camping with an old friend. Haven't really done a trip up north for "other" fish for a long time (bass/walleye/pike).
Does anyone have advice for a good outfitter? I would need a complete outfitting package. Any experiences of best practices for those who have done something like this? Interested to hear about potential entry points or good trip routes they would suggest.
I've done a decent amount of internet searching and have a good idea of outfitters/prices/expectations, but I wanted to hear from some peiople with first hand experience.
Thanks.
|
|
| |
|
|
If you want a guided trip with trophy smallmouth/walleye/pike fishing you can't beat Moose Bay Company. John Herrick has been featured on several In-Fishermen episodes over the years.
JS |
|
| |
|
Posts: 754
| Do oyu have a route in mind. I used to guide up there in my college days and have some thoughts but which direction you want to go will influence who I would reccomend. Reply here or shoot me a PM for details... |
|
| |
|
| I would suggest going to http://www.bwca.com. There is a message board that deals exclusively with info on the BWCA. This includes fishing reports, trip planning, etc.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | Gunflint trail.
When I did it, we ran all our portages in on day in order to set up a base camp. That way we didn't have to tear down camp everyday and could focus on fishing and hiking to some cool waterfalls. The could return to camp and have a good dinner rather than setting up camp. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 243
| Went up a couple of times and used Voyageur North and North Country Canoe Outfitters (was in boy scouts at the time and it was 20 years ago). Both made for great trips and I would recommend either of them. I think the aforementioned website directory of the outfitters is a good place to start, as your decision might be based on your price range and expectations of what an outfitter would offer.
BWCA is an awesome place. It's amazing how well you sleep at night under the stars after a hard day of paddling. The only thing I don't miss are the bugs. Good luck and enjoy the trip! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 23
| Check out Seagull Outfitters.
Theyre up very close to the end of the Gunflint Trail. Never had a full outfitted trip with them, usually just a tow out, but I know many that have and I've never once been disappointed with them.
PM me if you have any more questions! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 9
| Gone through seagull outfitters a couple times. Never a fully outfitted trip but they've been good to us. Get the tow out to American point it will save you a day of travel. We went in early sept. this year and ran into mid 20 temps and even a little snow and some pretty rough water so be prepared. The gunflit area is much nicer than ely. More variety in the lakes and less people. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 956
Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs | +1 North Country Canoe Outfitters |
|
| |
|
| The people at Voyageur North are absolutly top notch, but i've heard the same about the other outfitters there. I like entering at moose lake and going to basswood, the biggest pike in the US are probably in that lake |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1120
Location: West Chester, OH | Time is money.
Use a launch service or even a float plane to eliminate some of the in/out transit paddling. I never have but a couple of my group recently did & assure me that it's the way to go. Get remote & get fishing w/o first needing a nap! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 91
| Thanks for all of the responses. I'm glad I got some recommendations on some different outfitters. I appreciate the first hand knowledge.
It sounds like it should be an awesome trip, chasing smallies, walleye, and pike. |
|
| |
