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Back in the 90's, I made an ill-fated trip into the Tick Lake PMA to Jackfish Lake. The jackfish in this lake are much like what was reported in the latest BWJ. We were not warned about these monsters, we had only heard vague references to them. We dismissed them as fables and were ill-prepared for what we would face.

We failed to carry the 7-strand steel cable, to be used as line. We also did not cut & trim a jackpine to be used as a rod &/or club. Rather, we were fishing with ordinary tackle. My buddy hooked one & made it so mad that it rocketed out of the water and consumed my buddy as it dove into the lake. I was soaked from the splash and horrified at what I had just witnessed. Then fear gripped me as I realized I was all alone on a remote monster laden lake.

I few yards away, I heard a faint cry for help. It turned out to be my buddy who had managed to trigger the monster's gag reflex on the way down. I paddled over and helped him clean up. It turned out that other than a shock reaction, he was none the worse for wear. We left immediately and promised never to reveal the actual presence of these monsters. But I know our secret is safe, because no one will believe any of what they just read...

There are quite a few PMAs.  The rook website is a good resource. 

Their location in the BW can be misleading, as they are mostly bushwacking, not your typical BW or Q experience.

There are no designated campsites, but you may find some old leftover sites which are hidden, and steel grates have been found, as well as old wooden thunderboxes.  You may also find makeshift sites that have been created by PMA campers, though in our case we've made them far from the waters edge.  There are also some old portage routes that you might stumble across, but they are very overgrown and not really there anymore, but you might find the evidence.  A few old relics and even some newer artifacts have been found.

DB's, lookin' for a bushwack!

My understanding, as of a few years ago, is that one needs a valid EP permit and then file for the PMA permit; is this still the case?

Also heard of some folk doing the Barto Creek area...recall that it was here and via some folk up at Sawbill. They recounted a bushwack and the bugs to match.

Sounds like fun!

True

If all you plan to do is pass on through...no special permit required.  Want to stay overnoght?  The station issuing your regular permit can reserve a section of a PMA at no additional cost...you just have to got there in person to pick it up.

Due to the bushwacking nature of travel within PMAs, I would really suggest permitting through the Forest Service, even if you plan on paddling through and not staying the night.  At least you have a backup.  From experience, what looks like a fairly easy travel day can turn into a very exhausting slog in the PMAs.

Here's the link to the Backpacker Magazine article about the PMA near our place at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
My husband went with on this trip and I've been in those lakes before.  They aren't as difficult as some of the other ones sound.

Happy Camping,
Sue