BWCA or LOTW - NEED ADVICE!

[Guest]

I'm planning a CAMPING trip to EITHER BWCA or LOTW and would like to know what to expect and where to go to catch BIG PIKE!
I've never been to either place so any advice, pointers and to where to go etc. would be GREATLY appreciated!

Questions are:

1. Where do I camp?
2. Where do I get the canoes?
3. Where do I go?

The only things I know is that BWCA don't allow power boats and LOTW only allows some??

[fiskyknut]

Hey guy there are no restrictions as to boats and HP ratings on LOTW. You will see boats of all sizes here, but rarely will you see a canoe out on big traverse bay!!!

fiskyknut

[Guest]

A canoe ride on the LOTW with a nice wind might be a little exciting.
Zipple Bay State park is a great place to camp. I don't know of any place to rent canoes around LOTW, but you can rent a power boat at any of the resorts in the area. I hear tales of huge pike on the LOTW, but I have never fished them so I can't help you out there.

If you decide to go the BWCA route, there are numerous outfitters on the Gunflint and Ely side that rent everything from canoes to total packages (Food, tents, sleeping bags, ect..) There are many lakes is the BWCA that hold nice pike.

Scott

[1DIRTBALL]

Granted, there are many places in the BWCA where you can catch some real gators. It's my opinion though, that your chances might be better on LOW. You could try Muskeg Bay, around Springsteel Island, Buffalo Bay, Swift Ditch area and the list goes on. There are more experienced and better fishermen than I am on this site that can and will give you much better advice than I can. BTW, Springsteel Resort does rent out 16 foot boats. Taking a canoe out on LOW would be about as thrilling as bungee jumping from the top of the Washington Monument. Not recommended. On LOW, you would also have the thrill of wondering if the next fish that hits your northern bait just might possibly be a HUGE musky!!!!! As mentioned in an earlier post, Zipple Bay State Park would be an excellent place to camp. You will have to buy a state park sticker but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you helped support our state park program. Here's hoping you have a great time!

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YOU CAN'T BS AN OLD BS'ER!

[Chad Holst]

It really depends, as you can see from the other posts, what kind of an experiance you are looking for. If you are looking just to fish, fish, fish and its you and a couple buddy's then I would say lotw is the way to go. You will have other fishermen around. This is good for helping to get advise, bad for "getting away from it all". You will have an opp. to catch great musky, walleye and yes HUGE northerns. This is not the choice I would make if you want to canoe thoe.

If you are looking for a trip to remember and want to get away from others, if you dont mind the work of a brisk paddle, Then the BWCA is deffinently the way to go. I have my boat, motor, plainer boards and the like, but trade it all in for a canoe and a 80 pound pack and some good friends at least 1 time a year and go to Alpine Lake at the end of the gunflint trail. I can not begin to tell you the fish story's (30+ inch walleyes---HUGE northerns---Smallies the size of a small African country). However if it's just the fish.... go with the LOTW. I enjoy sitting at a camp listening to the loons talking about the one that got-a-way and knowing that I only saw 1 or 2 other people (from a distance) all day. You will have to do alittle more planning for the BWCA than LOTW ie getting packs, the right food, water filters--tents---etc however as previously mentioned the outfitters will have packages that can supply you with everything you will need. I would suggest how-ever if you plan on ever going again or want to make an annuall trip (trust me you will!!) then I would spend the $$$ up front and buy some of the main things your self--TENT, Sleeping Bags etc-- Remember when you buy these things to talk to the staff about what your plans are.. GOOD THINGS are not cheep and CHEEP things are not good when it comes to these items. Just dont get sucked into buying the NAME. Ask what you are getting for your $$.

I could go on and on... There are some very good sights on the web for both the LOTW and BWCA use them and it will help you decide.

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I'd rather be fishing and think about church, than be at church and thinking about fishing!