Long time reader, first time poster. Been contemplating re-creating a trip I used to do back in the '70's. Vermilion-Trout Lake (used to be truck portage) then on to Little Trout or Pine or Ornake (sp is wrong) How does the truck (I know now it is an ATV) portage work now? What are the hours, dates and cost? I also heard that Moccasin Point it now a public parking point. Any current info would be helpful. Thanks!
Mike

I believe the individual (Lonnie) that can tow you from Moccasin point and carry your canoe and gear via ATV and boat trailer is Lonnie - 218.780.3610 (unless his number changed)

I think you can call him to find out the hours and schedule either or both with him. If your load is not way heavy, the other short portage into Trout is not bad at all.

Last quote I saw was $75 per canoe, but may have a discount if you have at least 4 canoes. That may also be for both the tow and carry over. Again, if your load is not significant, take the short portage into Trout

Getting into Little Trout was just a pull through the small stream and weeds. I have gone into Pine both the longer portage at the south end of Trout and through Pine Creek at the north end. The portage is up and over a large hill and then somewhat longish. Going in via Pine creek will probably take you longer - paddling the 4 miles to the north end and paddling another 2-3 miles via the river back to Pine. It is a pretty paddle, but if in the fall, the lily pads and weeds make it a tougher paddle. If I go back again, i would opt for the portage.

Actually was going with my 14' Lund w/10hp and tow a canoe. So, I could get to the portage with that set up, then was looking at the ATV to haul the 14' and canoe into Trout then trek from there. Back in the day it was the flatbed truck that would haul you over. So it is Lonnie that runs the ATV at the portage?

Thanks for the info!!
Mike

Yes, Lonnie can do just the carry across the portage if that is all you need. There is also someone who lives out near the ATV portage that can take you across. I don't have his number, but Lonnie can tell you how to schedule that with him if he is still doing that.

We stayed on the island site #241 that is in the channel that flows into Little Trout last fall. Very nice campsite and very close to Little Trout if you plan on spending much time there. Straight out the channel the opposite direction is Pine creek if you wanted to hit Pine lake.

We were in a 17 ft square end canoe with 3.5 horse motor. We had a lot of big wind the week we were there and kept us somewhat close to that area. Big lake, big wind, and really big waves does not bode well for a canoe. Perhaps your lund can handle the big waves better than a canoe, but still be careful.

Yep, remember big wind being a issue at times and sheering pins on a 10ph Evinrude, we used back then, lots of rocks/reefs on the big lake. Thanks for the tips!!!

Mike