You are really missing out if you get this close to Argo and don't go there. I've spent a LOT of time in this area and fished it hard, so I can help you out on any specifics you need.

Strangely enough, I've spent less time on Wicksteed than any other lake in this area. I did do well on pike during the short time I fished it, though.

I would not recommend going upstream on the Darky River. I've done it, and there is one spot in particular that you have to portage if you go upstream, but not if you go downstream. There's really not much of a portage there at all, and the banks are extremely steep and difficult to negotiate. Frankly, it sucked bigtime.

Go in either through Pond/Gratton (yeah, Goathill portage ain't fun at the very end, but most of it's just fine. You can easily make Wicksteed in a day if you get a reasonably early tow.

Better yet, go down McAree to Iron and see two of the best waterfalls in Quetico in route to Crooked. Spend your first night on Crooked and then get up early and plan to spend most of the day on Argo fishing trout (see my laker post for how to catch trout easy in summer). Argo has a lot of 2-4 lb. trout but they fight like they are twice as big, at least. Seriously, you will not find a harder fighting fish, pound for pound, anywhere in Quetico than these Argo trout. I'd leave yourself the option of spending a night on Argo, if it's to your liking. Then head up into Darky/Wicksteed. Darky's great for trout, too, but walleye seem scarce there. When you head out, you can go either the Darky River or else through Gratton and Pond. That way, you tackle Goathill portage with an empty food pack. Also, the real steep section will be the very first part of the portage, then it's mostly downhill from there.

I may see you up there. I'll be in that same area the same week you are. We won't be in Wicksteed, but we'll be in Argo and passing through Darky. We got Bottle River permits, so we will go in that way

Posted by Snowdog on March 15, 2002 at 01:51
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