BWCA outfitters

[JohnWester]

thinking about taking my son up for a BWCA canoeing/camping trip this summer... anybody have any good suggestions for an outfitter?  It's been a while since i've been in there... any tips/comments?

[Harold]

If you are interested in the Ely area, I would recommend Canoe Country Outfitters or Latourells.? Both have bases on the Moose Lake Chain.? (Canoe Country is also located in town as well.)? I know both personally. They also have good websites to see whats available.

[JohnWester]

well, i got a permit. in july 20th.

it's for lake 1.  I've been talking to Doug Jordan from jordansoutfitters so far... seems nice and very helpful.
Harold, do you know anything about them?

[Harold]

Big Fish - I'm sorry I don't know Doug.? A lot of newer outfitters have moved in there since I left.? The people I know are all people who have ran thier outfititing businesses for the last 25 - 30 plus years.? Also did a google search and didn't come up with anything.? But that doesn't mean he isn't good or hasn't been there for a while, I just don't know him.? Seeing that you are going in on Lake One, you may also want to check with these guys:

http://www.elyresorts.com/? Scroll down under Outfitting and you'll see their entire brochure.

Phil Maier, who posts on a lot of these forums as Ely, works there all summer long.? He is an Ely native,? knows the area like the back of his hand and is a great guy.? ?Not only will he set you up with the right equipment, he'll be able to point out the best camp sites and fishing spots. They are entry point #30, but also service entry points 27,28 & 29.? You'll want to look on your permit as to which one you are required to start from.

Keep in mind that many outfitters up there are people that have come from the Cities or Chicago to live out their "American Dream" after a couple of trips into the Bdub.? It takes years and years to get to know that country up there, much less the clientele they are sending out into the woods.? In my honest opinion, I wouldn't use anyone who isn't a native Ely outfitter or has at least 15 years experience of outfitting up there.  Guys like Phil and others that I've mentioned have been in those woods with their Fathers since they were able to walk.? If this is your sons 1st trip, you want it to be a good one!!

Good Luck.? Sounds like you and your son will have a great time.

[Harold]

Whoops - Don't know what the hell I did there.  Ended up with a double post in quotes.

[Dr.Bob]

"Whoops" I know what the hell happened here - Yer goofy Harold, in fact yer worse than a woman with a remote control .

I know, you can't help it....................... I'll forgive you ::).

I have to agree with you though.? I too would go with an outfitter that has some whiskers, preferably a little old Ely blood too.? I have had several contacts with both resorts you mentioned and would highly recommend either of them.? They are good people, no doubt.

But, Like you said too, The person BFG is working with may very well? be as good as anyone.? I would call "Ely" to make sure though :).

[Harold]

Now that's sound advise brother.  I'd be happy to do that.

[JohnWester]

i think he said that he worked for some other outfitter for a while and decided to go it on his own.