Adam,
Congrats on your first trip!
BWCA & Quetico have a little something for everyone with an interest in the outdoors. For the time frame you're talking about, base camping is the way to go for fishing. If you're just into paddling and portaging, then a circuit trip would provide plenty of exercise and many memories.

I've been in many times from Ely and from Crane Lake also. If you're looking at the LaCroix area I suggest Andersen outfitters at Crane Lake. It's a family run business and they have been doing this for decades. I've been with them twice and was pleased with the service. They run a fast launch into the East end of LaCroix and it's a quick and fun ride roughly 60 miles in. Then you can paddle any direction you want and find solitude.

This year I'm trying a different area east of Prairie Portage, but I'm afraid I picked an area heavily damaged by storms last July. Hopefully the blowdowns in the Carp Lake area won't make the portages impassable.

Have a great trip!

Posted by DaveD on June 20, 2000 at 00:43