Hey All!

I have searched these boards and have found some information on LIS South and Bootleg Lake. Has anyone traveled south on the LIS recently? Been to Bootleg Lake? Would this be a well-worthy place to seek solitude, fishing, and exploring for a few days? I saw a picture of the Sioux Falls and they look impressive! I've read that the fishing is pretty solid (for northerns/bass). I'm looking at a late September/early October trip for 4-5 days and if my dad (63) and I (37) head this route, we'd be basecamping at Bootleg. Thanks for any information anyone out there can provide!!

I have not been in LIS South, but have looked into it. You would probably find solitude.

The biggest concern, especially in late Sept/early Oct., would be low water - always a possibility that time of year. It's a long way from the entry to Bootleg with no designated campsites until you reach Bootleg. Low water and a lot of wading that could turn a long day into an even longer one seems to be the biggest problem.

quote hawleycanoeguy: "Hey All!

I have searched these boards and have found some information on LIS South and Bootleg Lake. Has anyone traveled south on the LIS recently? Been to Bootleg Lake? Would this be a well-worthy place to seek solitude, fishing, and exploring for a few days? I saw a picture of the Sioux Falls and they look impressive! I've read that the fishing is pretty solid (for northerns/bass). I'm looking at a late September/early October trip for 4-5 days and if my dad (63) and I (37) head this route, we'd be basecamping at Bootleg. Thanks for any information anyone out there can provide!!"

I haven't been to Bootleg in many years but I recall 4-5 days of peace and quiet. This is a trip I've wanted to do again. The water levels on the Indian Sioux will not be a problem. It could be on the Little Pony. If you're concerned, take the longer portage at the south end of the lake.

Thanks for the responses! Yeah -- the time of year is a crapshoot -- I don't want to have to get out and pushover dams/shallow water in October. Glad to hear the LIS for sure would be able to be paddled. From what I've seen, Sioux Falls and Bootleg Lake look to be outstanding! From what little I've seen for photos of the Bootleg campsites....they don't get used a whole lot! We are still up in the air as far as where we will go --- but it's intriguing to say the least! Thanks again!

Has anyone been been in this area in 2018? I didn't go here last year (entered Mudro instead) but am still curious of this area. Thanks!

Definitely a great place to find solitude and good fishing. Water levels should not be a concern. A strong south wind is the only thing that could be a challenge as you paddle up the river.

I went to a bootleg over the weekend on a day trip just the other day. Sioux Falls is lovely, caught a nice pike right below the falls. It took about 3.5 hours to get to Bootleg from the EP. the Little Pony River was kind of tough to spot as there was tall grass everywhere, but after you pushed through the first 20 yards of tall grass it really opened up and was an easier paddle. We had Bootleg Lake all to ourselves which baffled me because all of the LIS South Overnight permits were taken for the three days leading up to our day trip. Both sites are nice.

Tony

Tony-

Half the days are always zero - LIS South is 1 permit every other day ;) Still . . .

boonie: "Tony-


Half the days are always zero - LIS South is 1 permit every other day ;) Still . . ."

Boonie,

Yeah, I was aware of that, it still blew me away that nobody was camped there and my truck was the only one in the lot. The Little Pony River was so choked with grass that it was easy to miss it. I almost paddled right past and my wife spotted a little break in the grass, enough to make me pull out the GPS to verify position.

Riddle me this. There was no permit for Saturday (8/15) entry and like I said, my truck was the only one parked there at 8 am. But when we got back to the truck at 8 pm, there was another truck in the lot. We never saw another party all day, so the owner of that truck was either entering without a permit or they were going to be paddling back in darkness if they were on a day trip. Do you think maybe they had the permit for Sunday and went in early?

Tony

I was wondering too Tony. Had to have been at least one permit taken. Maybe it wasn't used. . . ? Maybe went in there headed for the Canthook PMA . . . ? Or somewhere else. Truck could have been staged there for an exit after entering somewhere else . . . ? Maybe they continued on down the LIS River and passed while you were on the Pony River . . . ? It makes you wonder and I don't know how plausible those explanations are.

boonie: "I was wondering too Tony. Had to have been at least one permit taken. Maybe it wasn't used. . . ? Maybe went in there headed for the Canthook PMA . . . ? Or somewhere else. Truck could have been staged there for an exit after entering somewhere else . . . ? Maybe they continued on down the LIS River and passed while you were on the Pony River . . . ? It makes you wonder and I don't know how plausible those explanations are."

Yeah, we could speculate all day, you’re probably right, they must have scooted by in the time we were down the LP River and Bootleg. It just goes to show that you never know what you’re going to find when you head into the BWCA.

Tony

LOL - I had forgotten about this thread! My dad and I ended up going doing a loop back in 2017 (Mudro-Horse-Basswood River-Basswood Lake-Mudro).

I'm looking at possibly a mid-October solo trip - this might sound like the ticket if I choose to go to the BWCA. Just a couple of nights:

Day 1 - paddle in - camp at bootleg.
Day 2 - chill at bootleg.
Day 3 - paddle out - head home.

How are the portages to Bootleg?

Sounds like I'll have to keep by eyes peeled for the Little Pony River - although it might be easier in October as things won't be so green.

Water levels would be my biggest worry during that time - especially from what I've read that water levels have been low this summer. However, the northern half of the state received a bunch late last week. Crazy how water levels can change in a matter of a week or so.

Man - I love this messageboard! Haven't been on here in a long time! Thanks for all the input!