Trying a new EP for the heck of it this year. We go in early June. Any lake trout that can be reached from this EP? Really have no clue where we are going from the EP yet but I guess it’s about time to figure it out. I’ve never caught a lake trout so this is very new to me. Thanks for any advice!

Up through Insula to Thomas for lakers

Lake trout can be had from any entry point but some have a much longer route to get there. From Lake One (EP30) one would go through the 4 number lakes, Hudson, Insula, and Kiana to get to Thomas where you will find lake trout.

midwesterner: "Trying a new EP for the heck of it this year. We go in early June. Any lake trout that can be reached from this EP? Really have no clue where we are going from the EP yet but I guess it’s about time to figure it out. I’ve never caught a lake trout so this is very new to me. Thanks for any advice! "

That entry point has got to be the busiest one in BWCA. We went one year late May and went through the two short portages into the numbered lakes. There was a backup at each portage and canoes in a holding pattern waiting on land on each

On your way to Thomas, you might want to fish for walleyes if there is time. Both Alice and Insula are great walleye lakes. If you go all the way to Thomas you could easily turn this into a loop, exiting at Snowbank.
As mentioned, get out early to miss the crowds at the Lake 1-2 portage. Last year and again this year we are renting a bunkhouse at Kawishiwi Lodge. Great way to get out early and beat the crowds. It also shortens your paddle by half and hour or so.

Is this trip from EP 30 to Thomas achievable in one day or is this a two day haul? I dont know how to best describe our rate of speed but if it helps for reference we went from Baker to South Temperance last year and it took us about 7 hours.

I suppose you could do it in one long day. Depends on how much stuff you carry. I would suggest shooting for Insula and on to Thomas the next day. Or stay a day and catch some walleyes. It's a good time of year for walleye.
We don't move too fast, but the last 2 years under adverse conditions we were about 8 hours to the north end of Insula. I'm sure many here do it faster.

midwesterner: "Is this trip from EP 30 to Thomas achievable in one day or is this a two day haul? I dont know how to best describe our rate of speed but if it helps for reference we went from Baker to South Temperance last year and it took us about 7 hours. "

I suggest you plan on 2 days at that speed. Another soloist and I went in Baker in 2019 and went from Baker to South Temperance in 5 hours double portaging.

All great info! Thank you very much for the advice

If you are very strong paddlers and can cross a portage quickly that route can be done in a day but you will be tired by the time you get to Thomas. If you have the days to do so, I'd recommend going as far as Hudson (late start) or Insula (early start) and spend an extra day in either of those lakes catching northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleyes. You'll be more rested and enjoy the rest of the trip into Thomas. If you catch walleyes like my wife and I, you will also be fatter.

It took me 11 1/2 hours to travel from Thomas to EP 30 and I knew the route. Absolutely exhausted. I suggest you spend two days on Insula for some of the best fishing. Buy a pound of leeches and fish with a jig to have some of the best walleye fishing on Insula. You'll end up catching SMB and notherns. It's a fantastic fishery. Then head up to Thomas.