Well the first trip of the upcoming year has been decided. Planning on a Clearwater entry. Lady friend really wants to see the pallisades and Johnson Falls, and who can blame her? I want to catch some smallies, period!! So, my wise paddle people, we have two options available - paddle out June 12th or 19th. Leaning towards the latter. Any great wisdom to share?

I did this trip last year and would advise to make time for a hike to the top of the Clearwater Palisades. They are cool from the water but the views from the top are also stunning. Good call on Johnson Falls as well--be sure to catch both the upper and lower falls. The two eastern-most campsites on Caribou are both nice. The one closer to Little Caribou has the better reputation but nothing wrong with it's next-door neighbor, IMHO.
The campsite on Little Caribou is also very nice and quite sought after but a heads-up regarding the water quality on that lake: last year it appeared quite silty and green in color.

Search for "Wandering To Westpike Lake" on this website for a trip report and video of our adventure.

My early season trips have been between late May and 3rd week of June - I'd choose the 12th myself.

Took my wife to east side of caribou. Nice site. Caught bass!

Caribou Lake is a very good smallie lake, supposed to have eyes too but never got around to really trying for them. The point on the south side of the lake where it narrows in the eastern third of the lake was very good to us. Good numbers and some occasional bigger ones too.

There is a campsite, or at least what used to be a campsite west of the furthest east portage to Clearwater; in fact you can just make out that portage from there. It has a small island in front of it. It isn't shown on any maps but it is very obviously a campsite, and it isn't(or at least wasn't) marked as a closed campsite. We stayed there a couple years ago and it was a good spot. Wading knee deep and casting towards the small island yielded great smallmouth action including my biggest ever, only a fat 19.5 inches.

Johnson Falls is a very easy and leisurely daytrip from there and yes, it is worth the trip. If you happen to go on a warm day you will love the swimming hole below the lower falls. The upper falls are perhaps even more spectacular and if i hadn't read about them I would have never known they were there.

As to timing I think fishing will be good either week. I might go earlier just on the slight chance that the bugs might be slightly better. I have always felt that late June was the absolute worst time for bugs up there.

I would go the earlier date. Better chance of less skeeters! That is the best wisdom I can give u. It sucks eating dinner in the tent or while sitting in the fire smoke on a calm evening...JMO!

hello, forgive me, i just want to test it.

I will be in the same area right before you. Staying on Caribou until the 11th. It will be my first time. If you'd like, I can give you a report right after I get back. I am not super familiar with this website, but I am sure there is a way to contact you directly. If you're interested.

We plan to hit the water at entry point 62 June 30th. Hopefully the bugs won't carry us away. We plan to head into Caribou. Does have any details of the portage from Clearwater to caribou?

The first portage is a bit rocky at first, then flattens out, pretty steep down hill at the end. Very doable

Picturesque route! 2008 route across Clearwater, thru the Pikes, McFarland, Pine , Caribou, back to Clearwater.
Took 2 days to get to McFarland, one afternoon to get across Pine to Caribou. Lots of bluffs, great hikes, waterfalls.
No date recommendation, either should work fine.
I'll suggest spending some time at Clearwater Lodge. Have a ball!

butthead

PS: If looking for a campground close check out Flour Lake. bh

Rgallwitz, here is a trip report from a few years ago. Lots of pics but also some info on the portage from Clearwater to Caribou.


Clearwater to caribou