As of now we only have 2 "for-sure," and the 3rd is a maybe, so a decision might not even be necessary.  That said, I'm surprised by all of the advice for a 3 person canoe.  Just seems like it would be really tight, and too difficult for 3 people to fish at once.  Especially of one of the guys is big/tall type. 

What about this - If money wasn't a concern, and we weren't really worried about the expense of hiring a guide as a 4th, would you still have the same opinion?  Our concern is just getting the best possible fishing experience for the money.  I don't get to make these trips that often because of work, so when I do the cost isn't really a concern.  The last time I was in quetico will have been 13 years ago; the last time I went on any fishing trip will be 4 years.  :'(

Regards to the route - we're open to Old Salt's suggested trip - we had considered this too.  We also considered doing completely different things (clay to Kawnipi, exiting either poets or Saganaga).  I guess the deciding factor would be this - how is the fishing in the maligne/lower sturgeon???  The last trip we did Stanton-to-Nym, so we are familiar with that area and the pickerel narrows.  Fishing was great there, but we thought we would go deeper into the park and attempt to get access to more remote fishing this time. 

If you guys think the fishing will be "pretty much the same" or "even better" doing Old Salt's suggested route, then I think we wouldn't bother with the cost/effort of going through maligne.  We would also consider any other suggestions.  Thoughts?

Thanks again.