Checking out a new (to me) area this year and planning to solo Brule lake and some of the surrounding area. Entry date is May 20th. Anyone have suggestions for places one should check out? Planning to do some fishing as well would love to get into walleyes or lakers and that's part of the decision to go early this year.

Also curious to know a bit about the lake. The Brule isn't a small lake and I would imagine it will still be quite cold that time of year. Should I be worried much about crossings? Dry suit? More wondering about the lake's personality if that makes sense.

Brule can whip up some big waves so try and keep close to shore. There are some islands that can help with getting across (south to north) and I would make a point to utilize them to your advantage. Mainly, just keep an eye on the weather - especially if you are planning on doing a north/south crossing. Brought the daughter to Brule on her very first trip so it can't be all bad? :) P.S. no lake trout in Brule.

Brule bay waterfall provides some visionary enchantment and you could also hike to theVernon Lake bathtub which is only a short distance away from the falls. There can be decent walleye fishing in Brule bay and we seen a huge bull moose there years ago too.

On the extreme other end of the lake is the Brule Lake rockslide which is an incredibly fun spot to explore. There are some relic remnants of the old logging days near the campsite located close by. The portage up to beautiful Wench Lake starts near the base and offers a chance at catching some brook trout. The chain of smaller lakes just to the north of here are also quite scenic.

The rapids at the portage into South Temperance is another scenic spot. Both Temperance Lakes harbor walleye and North Temperance sports some high rolling hills.

Brule can be brutal with wind. It's also one of the last lakes in the BWCA to shed ice. The water will be very cold. I know of at least 2 groups in the last 6 years that ran into ice on the lake around that date. I think it was 2017 and 2019.

Brule is a great lake with lots of character. Explore some of the little islands and you'll find remnants of days gone by, old campsites and resorts. Head east into Vernon and see the waterfalls. The Cones are fun little lakes to day trip and another nice trip is into the Temperance Lakes over on the West end. Nice fishing all around with lots of smallies, wallies and pike.

All that being said, the wind and waves can be extremely dangerous on that lake. I have been out paddling on calm seas in the morning and in less than an hour was dealing with easily 3' rollers and whitecaps. Many-a-story of solos (and tandems) being wind bound on that lake. I have not soloed Brule, only tandem for the explicit reason that I don't trust my skills as a solo paddler enough to risk it. Others with more confidence may find different--just speaking for myself.

Last year I was in Lake One on May 17th. I used my dry suit and was happy I did. I didn’t have a problems but the added safety was very comforting. We stopped at the Lake Four to Hudson portage and I decided it wasn’t safe to go on. We found out the day before a son and a father had been helicopter rescued from there.
If you got one I would take. If the weather turn super nice it can stay in the car. I live a little north of most of the BWCA and today is the first real nice day.
Tomorrow may hit 70*!!. Last year it was cold and windy.

Carl

I was going to do my first solo through Brule but didn't make it for several reasons. I wanted to go west to South Temperance, then over to Cherokee, and then east through Town/Vesper/Cam/etc which seem like super cool lakes with rocky, treacherous portages. If you're base camping on Brule, I'd check out the west side rockslide, and maybe head up into Cam. That whole area looks gorgeous. Enjoy your trip!!

Thanks all for the advice. I think I'll take the dry suit with. Now I just have to decide If I want to take a more seaworthy canoe that will catch more wind, or a faster canoe that will catch less wind, but is a bit less seaworthy in big waves. :)