Yeah, I would think the Cache option would be the better bet for trout. Maybe save the Barron option for a summer trip when you're going to want to play in the falls and catch a bass or two. If you're debating between Big Porcupine and Ragged for the 2nd night, my vote is Big Porc. Probably better fishing, and less traffic from Smoke. I think it's also your best bet for brookies on the route, as opposed to lakers. Good laker fishing on the lakes you'll travel through on the first 2 days. Not sure about the fishing on Little Island, it would be lakers if anything.

I've done the route actually, but in the opposite direction and starting from Smoke, and in only 3 days. In fact I kind of overestimated the distances a bit, I thought doing it in 3 days would be a push but we finished each day in comfortable time. I guess on a trout-focused trip you'll want the extra down time for fishing.

Campsite on Big Porc at the East end of the narrows isvery large. Good large firepit built into a boulder helps keep the heat. Access the site from the narrows or from the point.

I would skip fishing Cache, Head, Ragged, nSmoke and just push through them.

Last edited by Craigson (4/04/2016 1:57 pm)

I'd recommend getting a copy of Stephen Molson's depth maps here:  http://www.molsonmapping.com/Products.html

Many of the lakes you plan to travel through are included...as well as his nearly expert guidance on how to fish for char.  

I think the string between Head and Bonnechere will likely be the most productive although some of them are lake trout only and no specks.  Four days of pretty intensive fishing should get you on some trout - I'd work the deeper shorelines or submerged points - the fish should be quite shallow at that time of year so between 5' and 10' deep would probably be the most productive...but you never know.  Zig-zag as you troll to cover more water and use a relatively slow troll - we've found that just having the stern man paddle and allow the bow man to cast towards shore or in front of the canoe with a spoon or rapala can produce results.  

Most importantly, fish the first couple hours of light and the last couple hours of light.  We've accomplished this by base-camping and doing day trips but you can do it in traveling mode by fishing early, come back and break camp and then troll/spot fish your way to the next camp.  Set up in the afternoon when fishing is slow, eat an early dinner and then get out on the water an hour or two before sunset.  Don't pass up any creeks that empty into the lakes as well...these are often areas where food sources are more varied and plentiful.

Final recommendation is to pinch the barbs on your hooks with needle-nosed pliers and practice catch and release whenever possible.  Best of luck and be sure to post some pictures on your return!