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March 19 2024

Entry Point 47 - Lizz & Swamp Lakes

Lizz and Swamp Lakes entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Gunflint Ranger Station near the city of Grand Marais, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 34 miles. Access from Poplar Lake by 51-rod portage to Lizz Lake and 100-rod portage into Swamp Lake only. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 3
Elevation: 1864 feet
Latitude: 48.0420
Longitude: -90.4998
Lizz & Swamp Lakes - 47

Rain, rain, go away

by BigTim
Trip Report

Entry Date: June 24, 2016
Entry Point: Lizz and Swamp Lakes
Number of Days: 7
Group Size: 3

Trip Introduction:
Rockwood lodge rocks.

Day 1 of 7


Friday, June 24, 2016

Headed out of N.WI cabin promptly @ 3:30 am to grab our permit and canoe. Carl from Rockwood greeted us with a newly purchased used 3 person aluminum. Carl set us up wonderfully with bungies, a seat back, and pipe insulation for the front person's legs. We will definitely be back to Rockwood!

Paddled the short distance to Lizz portage, flew on to the portage to Caribou, and choose the far southwestern camp for our base camp. After our ceremonial sausage and cheese snack, we set up camp and started to plan our first fishing outing.

 



Day 2 of 7


Saturday, June 25, 2016

We knew the forecast called for potentially severe thunderstorms for early am - so we got up early to eat breakfast and enjoy our coffee. Almost exactly at 8 AM, we got nailed with thunder and rain. The wind was not too strong, so we waited it out under the tarp. By late morning, storm was mostly gone - with some lingering showers from time to time. Everything was wet - so we set out to fish. Brandon and James did the casting, while I kept a paddle in the water to counteract wind.

 



Day 3 of 7


Sunday, June 26, 2016

Horseshoe Lake day trip. Wind, wind, and more wind. Had a big breakfast. Traveled with the wind from the SW corner of Caribou toward the Horseshoe Lake portage. Could only fish the western shorelines of Horseshoe as the wind picked up. Approaching toward Vista, we had a visit from a Moose and her calf. Haven't seen one for a few years, so it was the treat of the day. James and Brandon caught some northern's as we decided to head back to Caribou. The wind was very strong at this time - straight out of the west. We decided to point the nose straight into the wind and paddle like mad. The wind kept us extremely focused - as we were not going to allow a spin out. The paddle is just over a mile - but it seemed like it took over an hour. Tough one.

 



Day 4 of 7


Monday, June 27, 2016

Early AM Caribou bass success. The sun came out for a visit today. Pretty cold overnight - as we watched the fog lift off the water. Decided to head out early on this sunny and calm morning. Brandon nailed a huge bass - then James nailed another. We caught 4 good size bass - and had an awesome shore lunch. Sun was a bonus - as we later found out this would be our only dry day.

Afternoon was spent enjoying the dry day, drinking water, and planning our future day trip to Swamp Lake.

 



Day 5 of 7


Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Rain and cold. We trolled around Caribou looking for fish. Although we caught at least one fish every day, we only ate 4 full fish meals. The wind and clouds forced us to be selective during our fishing. I believe we ended up eating two Northern's - and they tasted just great.

 



Day 6 of 7


Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Caribou Lake, Swamp Lake

Swamp Lake day trip

Day started off sunny and calm...but as would be the case this week, the wind came to play during the afternoon. We headed down the Swamp Lake portage last morning - mosquitoes were pretty nasty. Once on Swamp, the wind let us know were probably were not going to fish the eastern shoreline. Caught a couple of keeper Northern's again - dinner again. While cooking dinner, the western skies turned dark. I was just finishing up the last of the fish, we the rain came. Again, thunder and rain, but not too windy during the thunderstorm.

  

 



Day 7 of 7


Thursday, June 30, 2016 Caribou Lake, Lizz Lake, Poplar Lake

Hoped for sun, but got mostly dry/cloudy instead. Due to last night rain, we packed wet things. Mosquito's were as bad as they'd been on the entire trip - as if they knew we'd be leaving. We were packed and on the water before 8....Heading to Rockwood on Poplar. Carl and Mike were very nice and professional. We will use them again for sure. I highly recommend them!

 

Lakes Traveled:   Caribou Lake, Lizz Lake, Poplar Lake,

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