BWCAW Trip?

[kingkidfisher4431]

I want to take a trip up there this spring. Im not sure if im going to be alone or going to be with a friend or not but really would like to do it. I need some directions of where to go(first time up there ever) and what to bring? I thought it might be kind of cool to do it in a kayak that is really big. Because i would want the food tent clothes and fishing gear to be able to fit in it. I would probably have to go through a guide or something but would want to be by myself. There would be no set time on when to get back so it could be alot of time at one camp if i had to. I was thinking about just three lakes to go through with fairly moderate portages that a newbie could do if he had to do it by himself. Also lakes shouldnt be huge or small just right, though with some good walleye and smallmouth. Basically ill take any info i can get, i know it may seem specific, or not for up there, but i would really appreciate the help!

[gunflint]

I would go to the Gunflint Trail Association's web site and look under outfitters. They know the area better than anyone and would be more than happy to help.

[1DIRTBALL]

Hey Kid, I have a proposal for a trip into the BWCA that may interest you. Shoot me an email at:[email protected]

1DIRTBALL aka:Keith

[Casaloma]

I've gotta' push Disappointment Lake near Ely. One portage away from Snowbank entry, Great for a first trip appetite wetter. You will most likely be back many times. Also a 15' solo canoe with a kayak paddle is a much easier route than a full kayak. I don't believe they have yet to make a device that carries a kayak with the comfort that canoe yolks provide- a HUGE consideration...

I have seen a quality gear list on the piragas, ely mn website so goggle that & see what is there. Another thought for canoe camping comes from Cliff Jacobson ( a personal favorite ). " When planning a canoe trip make 3 piles of gear. 1 of items you will absolutely need, 1 pile of items that you might need, and 1 pile that is just for fun. Take everything from the first pile, nothing from the second and 1 luxury item from the 3rd pile."

[Tom Linderholm]

Casaloma you should give my Dagger yak a try I think you would be impressed with the yolk that I had made for it by spring creek in ely. Look at it in the Boats for sale forum.

[Casaloma]

Hey Cheffery, I looked at that dagger & have a few questions for you regarding the preformance, cargo etc. Will you be at this Sat. gathering? What will you be lookin' like ( gear wise ) ?

I also have a hidden agenda of asking about working as a Chef in the area... It starts out.. ' My buddy in Madison is a Chef looking to move back to the Northland...'

Thanks-CLoma

KingKidFisher: Another good spot to research would be Brule Lake. I'm sure there is great info. here in the archives on both as put-ins for trips. Get your permits early or be flexable.

I remember the first time I walked into the Kawishiwi Rngr Station & couldn't get a permit for the lake of my choice, in 1990. Ever since it's been a race to get entry tags. I really hope that FOTBW dont have a covert permit hijacking system as I am a member & believe in the current Regs.

Still, for more of a challenge/ Remote experiance try a long portage to start out like Stuart Lk ( excellent fishing, I've had a 60 walleye spring day there ) or the Angleworm Lk...

[Animal]

A good first time trip is out of Ely. Gabbro to Bald Eagle. One medium long portage to start and very easy from there. A couple of day trip lakes nearby. Pretty good walleye fishing.