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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Fall trip planning
 
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YetiJedi
05/31/2023 10:30PM
  
Hey Shane,


I've been into Wood half dozen times or so in the last couple of years. Great place to take my kids and I'm happy to share what I know.


1) Weather: you could get anything but September is usually a great month for trips. Plan for cooler nights for sure.


2) Clothing: I like wool for many reasons - pair of merino long johns and my favorite wool sweater. I also bring good rain gear.


3) Fishing: we've always done well with good numbers but we haven't caught any trophies, per se. Wood has good fishing for smallies, northerns, some LMB, and we always seem to catch a few walleyes. Hula is good for hammer handles. I've only caught northerns and smallies on Good. Indiana has some giant pike - I've only seen them but they are certainly there and the clear water makes it fun to view them. Because kids like to mix it up, we do top water, trolling, and sometimes use leeches or crawlers. If interested, we could email some fishing details.


4) Bears: yep, I've seen one 4 out of the last 6 trips including one encounter in camp and one on a portage. None of them have been problem bears but they are very much in the area.


As far as what to expect from spring/summer trips, I'd say cooler temperatures, fewer people, no bugs, fall colors, shorter days...and wistfully and appreciatively enjoying the last of the trippin' season before the lake freezes.



 
Shane Havenstrite
05/30/2023 02:50PM
  
Taking a fishing trip to Wood Lake, Sept 10-15, looking for advice.

This will be my first Fall trip. I’ve made lots of trips ranging from spring to summer, but never in the fall. As always, I will expect the unexpected and plan accordingly.

Any specific tips or advice pertaining to weather, clothing, fishing, live bait, bears, etc? Basically looking for what to expect that’s different than a late spring/summer trip.

Thanks in advance
 
billconner
05/30/2023 06:17PM
  
Short days. Could get a little snow. Great time to be in the BWCAW!
 
egknuti
06/01/2023 05:35PM
  
Difficult to predict the weather until it’s upon us. It can still be warm, but with usually cooler nights. Great sleeping weather! Less bugs for sure. Leaches might be available somewhere, but most bait shops are done for the season, but worms or minnows work just as well. Mid September to end of October is my favorite time to up there.
 
YetiJedi
06/01/2023 08:07PM
  
egknuti: "Difficult to predict the weather until it’s upon us. It can still be warm, but with usually cooler nights. Great sleeping weather! Less bugs for sure. Leaches might be available somewhere, but most bait shops are done for the season, but worms or minnows work just as well. Mid September to end of October is my favorite time to up there. "


And I like your fall photos, Egknuti...so keep going in the autumn!
 
OMGitsKa
06/02/2023 08:36AM
  
I went labor day weekend last year and besides the mornings it was pretty toasty out. Also went on October first and it was very nice sweater weather, it was honestly PERFECT! Brough in live minnows both times since it was cooler temps and I could keep them alive. Caught plenty of walleye both times just bottom bouncing typical spots for fish.
 
ducks
06/02/2023 09:25AM
  
Fall is my favorite time to be up there as well.


I’m making my first trip to Wood in a couple weeks with one of my daughters. I’ll report back after our trip.
 
Shane H
06/01/2023 04:12PM
  
Thank you!
 
boonie
05/30/2023 06:43PM
  
I can't help you with fishing, but like Bill said - days are shorter. Weather is usually pretty nice - mid-60's and mid-40's, but could be 20-25 degrees +/-, so just be prepared for below freezing temps. It can be windier if it changes suddenly and can be wet, which will feel colder. Bugs will be gone. Generally a really nice time to be there.