I've been in by Hog Creek several times.  Usually do a loop trip (exiting Perent lake by Perent River/Isabella/Isabella River, etc. and coming out at Kawishiwi (hike back down road a mile or so to Hog Creek).  That is at least a week trip, to be comfortable.  There is nothing wrong with going in at Hog Creek, base-camping, and coming back out at Hog Creek.  Day trips part way along Perent River are fun; you can even pack up and travel in and camp along there (there are a few scattered campsites and they see fewer people than Perent Lake), then come out the way you came in.  Pike and walleye on the river, in the holes, etc.
Fishing probably better on the lake than the river, but I haven't fished Perent Lake that much.
     Do try and go in early on your entry permit date, if you can swing it.  The campsites are fairly spread out, so you shouldn't feel cramped, but they can fill up, early.  There is one on the east shore up by the Perent River portage that I am not sure is marked on maps (but it's a legit fire-grate/ beauty-box campsite). Not as scenic as other sites, but a kind of last resort...
     Hog Creek, in spite of the name, is a pretty little winding creek.  You will run into beaver dams to work over, etc.  If I recall right, you should allow several hours to get to the lake (it looks quicker on a map).  Don't be discouraged if you run into a headwind chop, when you come onto the lake (it's in the fine print that nobody reads).  That lake has many moods and you will likely see some better ones.
     If your schedule allows, consider getting your permit (I assume at Tofte Station) the evening before (Ranger Station is open to about 5, or you can switch permiting site to a vendor (Sawbill Outfitters?) that stays open later?  You could then drive partway in and camp at Temperance River campground or another spot and hit Hog Creek pretty readily in the morning.  Temperance River has modest brookies (you will want to pay the trout stamp fee $10? if interested in trying for them).
     Go with the flow and have a ball! You're on vacation.