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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Fraser lake
 
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MrBadExample
02/19/2017 07:06PM
 
quote GoSpursGo: "quote MrBadExample: "Thanks for the intel folks!!!




Guy in the group is spearheading the Fraser destination. The area has been on my list for awhile as well.




We normally head to Vera and day trip from there. Just looking for a change of scenery."




Ever made it over to Skoota and Dix?"




Thought many times about heading to Skoota after pike. Alas, never made it though.
 
MrBadExample
02/16/2017 02:12PM
 
Hey folks.

Just wondering what an estimated time it would take to get to Fraser lake?

Mid May

Group of 30-something's double portaging.

We're all fairly experienced and look forward to a challenge.


Can we make it in a full day?

Are we crazy?


Thanks in advance.
 
Grandma L
02/16/2017 04:23PM
 
Just did a couple of mapping options - here is what I found. Entering Snowbank and going across through Ima could be the fastest way to Fraser. It seems to be about 17 miles and 8 + hours if you are double portaging, push and don't make too many stops.

Why Fraser - there are a lot of other nice lakes closer in. Seagull, South Arm Knife, LLC?
for the same 8+ hour paddle you could go in Moose east along the border and into Amoeber, Cherry and Topaz. If you got a tow to Indian Portage (non-motor line across from Prairie Portage) it would be even faster.
 
HappyHuskies
02/16/2017 04:56PM
 
I think this is very reasonable. I'm assuming your going in through Snowbank. The last time I went through Fraser, I left Snowbank at 7 am and was on Fraser by 12:30. Weather that trip was good, with reasonably calm winds. I was paddling solo and single portaged.


If it matters, I was 58 at the time and am not a fast paddler, just what I'd call steady. I like Fraser quite a lot. But as Grandma L said, lots of other nice lakes to choose as well. If it was me, I'd go to Fraser. I like the route in from Snowbank and, as I said above, like the lake.

 
MrBadExample
02/16/2017 05:13PM
 
Thanks for the intel folks!!!


Guy in the group is spearheading the Fraser destination. The area has been on my list for awhile as well.


We normally head to Vera and day trip from there. Just looking for a change of scenery.
 
boonie
02/16/2017 05:56PM
 
It'll be a long day, but like GrandmaL said, the key to making good time is to not stop and be efficient at the portage landings and just keep moving. I don't stop to eat/drink - I just do it on the trip back for the second load.
 
jberns
02/16/2017 10:52PM
 
I've base camped Fraser twice & really like the lake! I think it took us around 8 hours both times with low water & in the fall & with way too much stuff. We always base camp & even though I've probably done 75 + trips, I still take too much stuff. 8 hours double portaging in low water still should get it done.
Have also basecamped on Vera and highly recommend Fraser as the better trip.
Good luck & enjoy!
Jeff
 
mcsweem
02/17/2017 08:10AM
 
another option is to go in through moose get the tow to ensign, pretty route and you can get a look at cattyman falls, about 7or 8 hours seems right, none of the portages are bad all pretty short and easy,

Shoot me an email if you want some more info

 
GoSpursGo
02/17/2017 09:15AM
 
quote MrBadExample: "Thanks for the intel folks!!!



Guy in the group is spearheading the Fraser destination. The area has been on my list for awhile as well.



We normally head to Vera and day trip from there. Just looking for a change of scenery."



Ever made it over to Skoota and Dix?
 
mcsweem
02/20/2017 07:46PM
 
Dix is full of pike it was a blast catching them
 
Pinetree
02/18/2017 10:36PM
 
quote MrBadExample: "Hey folks.


Just wondering what an estimated time it would take to get to Fraser lake?


Mid May


Group of 30-something's double portaging.


We're all fairly experienced and look forward to a challenge.



Can we make it in a full day?


Are we crazy?



Thanks in advance."



No problem,we went from Snowbank lake and easily past Frasier in a day. The only thing that may stop you is a wind.
I think it takes us under five hours to Thomas.

 
HighnDry
02/21/2017 08:12PM
 
quote Pinetree: "quote MrBadExample: "Hey folks.



Just wondering what an estimated time it would take to get to Fraser lake?



Mid May



Group of 30-something's double portaging.



We're all fairly experienced and look forward to a challenge.




Can we make it in a full day?



Are we crazy?




Thanks in advance."




No problem,we went from Snowbank lake and easily past Frasier in a day. The only thing that may stop you is a wind.
I think it takes us under five hours to Thomas.
"



That's pretty good time! I did Snowbank - Disapppointment-Gilbert(?)-Boot-Snowbank with a stop on Disappointment then Snow over 3 days. I didn't think that I would reasonably get passed Ima if I ever decided to come from Snow heading to Thomas. Maybe I'll tackle that trip in the upcoming season.
 
Pinetree
02/21/2017 10:07PM
 
Whatever you do check the weather before deciding which way you go across Snowbank. Came back thru Boot one year and hit Snowbank in the northeast corner than headed to the landing to the south, That was the worse wind and waves I ever tackled and should of been smarter than trying it. It was like the Movie perfect Storm with the ship trying to go up the big waves. I still don't know how we ever made it. You have two other options thru Disappointment.
 
HighnDry
02/22/2017 06:49AM
 
quote Pinetree: "Whatever you do check the weather before deciding which way you go across Snowbank. Came back thru Boot one year and hit Snowbank in the northeast corner than headed to the landing to the south, That was the worse wind and waves I ever tackled and should of been smarter than trying it. It was like the Movie perfect Storm with the ship trying to go up the big waves. I still don't know how we ever made it. You have two other options thru Disappointment."


Good points Pinetree. I came out of that narrow cove from the portage into Snowbank in windy conditions mid-October. I hit some pretty good-sized rollers that nearly crashed me back into the rocks. It was a little scary until I made a ways further south. It's not to be taken lightly if the wind is coming out of the south/southwest.
 
MrBadExample
02/22/2017 11:25AM
 
Again, thanks for the info folks!!