Let me add to my 3 person canoe experience. It was more out of necessity. Neither of the other 2 paddlers were capable of steering a tandem, keep it moving in a head wind, nor strong enough to carry a boat over a portage, or paddle a solo.

Previously I had soloed with other 2 guys in a tandem and the speed difference was too much to make for a pleasant trip, they were the slow ones in the tandem. I was going later in the season with two gals and I knew a solo and a tandem wouldn’t work. So I rented a 3 man canoe. After doing that for the last 2 years I’m really hoping to get another strong tripper to join us on our next trip. 3 man canoes work, but not my favorite way to go. When fishing it was best if I just paddled the stern and let the other 2 fish.

But fishing from a solo can be frustrating too if it’s at all breezy and you’re out in the open.

JB, if you’re using an outfitter talk to him for some ideas. If you want to fly-in, think about a Mack Lake entry, exit French or Nym. You’d be going down stream, see some neat country. If you need a 4th and cost isn’t a problem, a guide should put you on fish and be a big help. Most posters have a strong DIY bias, but guides can be a very positive experience IMO. Take notes.