You probably don't have to wait until next year. Just stay off current areas unless you see huts/guys. As of last Tuesday (Feb 2nd) Hay Bay had lots of ice. Try PerfectVue (listed on the homepage in this website under cottage rentals). They don't take you out, but you can walk from their place or just drive a mile to the Sherman Point boat launch. It's a mile walk to the Reach from there, which is certainly not too bad. You can call them and they will tell you if people are out fishing. It's also close to Huff's Landing in the Reach, which can be good. From Huff's you only have to walk about 1/4 mile. You can also contact others in the Cottages List on this website as some say they have huts. If you are looking for a better first trip to BOQ, try
www.quintehardwaterspecialist.com. I have personally used them. They are pricey, but know what they are doing. In order to be sure to catch fish, you have to really invest some money and roughly three days as my experience is that only 1 out of 3 days is good. Last time I talked to them, they were not taking charters until 16 Feb and they were only taking people who lived within 3 hours of the BOQ due to the uncertain ice conditions.