Just got happily married to my girl friend of 5 years. Looking for entry point/ trip recommendations. We have been on camping trips before and are fairly fit. We are planning on being out there for 4 nights/5 days. I've been looking at entry points around lake duncan and rose. I like that they seem easy to access but don't want to deal with all the traffic. A more private location that's mildly easy to access would be preferred but privacy/ scenic views are a priority over easy access. We would also like to fish on this trip so a place that has fish that are good to eat would also be nice. Also any general tips for being out in the BW would be appreciated, we have never been here before.

P.S. Thoughts on inflatable kayaks? Its all we have currently and would like to save money by not having to rent/ buy different ones.

So, first a couple of assumptions from your post:

Since you indicate that you are fishing and seem to talk about a single campsite, I would guess that we are talking a base camp and not a move every day kind of trip.

You seem more interested in the Gunflint Trail/Grand Marais (Eastern) side of the BW.

Privacy (solitude) usually comes at a price (longer portages) or a single campsite lake (usually smaller lakes that don't have the expansive views.) . You can find back bays off larger lakes that are not on the main travel routes. Good fishing lakes tend to be busier because they are good fishing.

I have a few of suggestions for you:

These are smaller lakes so you may compromise on the view:

South Temperance Lake - Campsite in the northeastern corner. South Temperance is an island studded beautiful lake. It is a good fishing lake. There are only 4 campsites on this lake which contributes to its feeling of solitude. There has been some blow down and prescribed fire many years ago, but those spots are recovering nicely. You can get there via Baker Lake (Entry 39). This is a beautiful paddle up the Temperance river watershed. Long narrow river like lakes. Only one longer portage. Most are relatively flat and short. Or, if you know the wind will cooperate, entry can also be done from Brule Lake.

Banandad Lake - Entry 49 - Skipper Lake. The first portage is the longest (1 mile) but that only ensures some privacy. The rest are shorter, but not necessarily easier. There are some significant elevation changes in these portages. Find the campsite furthest west on Banadad Lake. It is on the east end of an island. Fantastic spot with views east and north east. Most people don't come here because they don't want to do the mile portage to get in from skipper or they don't want to do the harder portages to get here from the west. (If you go here, take a day and head to Sebeka Lake as a day trip. It is a pretty little lake.)

Burnt Lake - Entry 38 - Sawbill Lake - Campsite is the very southern most. This is out of the path of travel through this lake and away from other campsites. Sawbill is a busy spot so I can't guarantee you won't have the occasional fisherman slide past the campsite, but it is a good fishing lake. The views north from this lake are quintessential BW.

If you want the best views but less optimal fishing and less privacy:

Cherokee Lake - Entry 38 - Sawbill Lake. You can be here in 4-6 hours of paddling/portaging, but this is a marvelous lake for views. Big hills to the east and north. There are great campsites throughout the lake. My favorites are on the north end. The northern most island site and the peninsula site on the north eastern shore.

For magnificent views, great fishing, but potential less privacy (And a lot of work to get to):

Little Saganaga Lake. Entry 51 - Missing Link Lake. The very long portage out of Missing Link to Tuscarora must be endured to get to the spot you want. If you find a nice spot on Tuscarora. Stay there. Not quite the views (in my opinion) but good fishing and the same relative privacy can be had. But if it is full head on to LIttle Sag. This is a long day of work. If you can get it, the peninsula site on the south shore of Little Sag offers spectacular views north and north west. Many other beautiful island sites here offer the chance for some privacy and views.

If you want the greatest privacy, but less potential for fishing or views and a whole lot of work to get to:

Wine Lake or Mesaba Lake - Enter 38 - Head to Kelso Lake/River and Lujenida Lake and take the 1.5 miles portage to Zenith Lake. Head west out of Zenith through Frederick to Wine Lake or head north out of Zenith through Duck and Hug to Mesaba. The 1.5 (480rd.) portage keeps all but the hardiest travelers away. I have spent many night alone on Mesaba Lake. The campsite at the narrows headed north is the best on the lake. I have never had much luck fishing this lake however. Wine Lake is known for its lake trout. There are 2 nice sites here. The very first on the left after entering from the east and the western most island sites are great spots.

I don't know the answer about the inflatable kayaks. How much gear can they carry? How would you carry them (portage) for say a half mile or longer? I know that the fabric is tougher than most, but what would happen if one developed a leak? The geology varies. Not every place has sharp rocks, but in all cases the rocks are very abrasive. The BW is called the Boundary Water CANOE Area Wilderness for a reason. It is truly best suited for canoe travel. If you don't have to have the very lightest materials, canoes can be rented for about $30-35 a day. If you are going only a couple of lakes in, that may be your best bet. If you are taking a longer route in, the more costly, but lighter materials may serve you better.

Hope all this helps.

A lot of good advice and information from Michwall. You don't say when you are going, but it's soon and the date isn't flexible, permit availability may be an issue. I wouldn't spend time researching an entry point if no permits are available for your entry date. You can check overnight paddle permit availability here .

I don't really know much about inflatable kayaks, but also doubt it's your best choice. Would one be hard to paddle against a strong headwind? Hard to control in a crosswind?

If privacy is your #1 priority, it's easiest to achieve by traveling deeper, across tough and/or multiple portages and farther from entry points. Another thing you can do is look for dead end lakes and lakes with only one campsite.

His suggestion for heading north out of Sawbill to Mesaba area is probably best bet for that if you don't mind the 1.5 mile portage from Lujenida to Zenith. There are a couple of lakes with one site and there shouldn't be much traffic through it.

I like Little Sag too, but you only have so much time. I have not been to Banadad, but hear it's nice and lightly traveled.

Here's another thought - enter Alder Lake and hope you get one of the two campsites on Crystal, a dead end lake. Very short, easy portages. Pierz is also a dead end lake. It has 3 sites, but I'm not sure they get much use. Canoe Lake sees a lot of through traffic.

But first, eliminate any entry points that aren't available for your date(s).

Oh, and congratulations!

Great tips from the above.
If you're putting in soon, consider Sawbill. The campground is beautiful and hardly ever full (never say never). Inflatable kayaks will work all around Sawbiil and the short portage to Kelso river area, maybe Alton but big water. If you're willing to rent a kevlar tandem canoe from the outfitter, tripping options are abundant - fire lakes, lady lakes, north to Cherokee, up to the remote areas mentioned by Michwall, etc. Or, if weather looks too rough for a honeymoon experience, you can just tool all around the forest outside of BWCA and not have a nightmare-moon. The other thing is that this area will always be so special to you and your new life-partner! "Honey, let's go back to Sawbill!" Congratulations; best wishes for a lifetime of adventures and shared laughter!

There has got to be a joke there about honeymoon and entry points but with the way the world is today I'm not sure if anyone has a sense of humor anymore.

minnmike: " There has got to be a joke there about honeymoon and entry points but with the way the world is today I'm not sure if anyone has a sense of humor anymore."

Ba-dum -CRASH!

Wow, was not expecting such prompt and elaborate responses, thanks guys! I have attached rough draft of a potential trip. I Liked the idea of entering at EP 51 and traveling down to little sag.


The website I used to make this route says the trip is almost 16 mi and should take a total of about 8 hours to get from EP to little sag

I was talking with the wife last night and we both decided to ditch the inflatable. As much as would would like to be frugal, potentially popping or damaging the most important tool we have would ruin the trip. I am looking at used canoes on craigslist right now. Looking to stay under $400 if possible if anyone would have any used canoe shopping tips/ recommendations it would be greatly appreciated! Many aluminum and fiberglass options it seems, but don't know what is best for this trip. I'm sure the lighter the better. Don't know if I could get a kevlar within our price budget.

I realized I did not specify some details in my original post. We are planning on arriving at the EP on monday next week, the 26th (I know, very soon and bad planning on my part but it seems there is still quite a bit of EP selections for that day currently). We actually would like having a nomadic trip for a bit of a challenge but don't want to completely exhaust ourselves either. We have not gone on camping trips quite like this before but are fit and have had other trips about this long, just not here at the BW. Does this trip look too ambitious for a 5 day expedition? Just want to be able to get back to the truck in time so we can be home by Saturday evening.

This made my day haha, cheers man

It's always hard to give trip advice to someone you don't know, but . . . hey, man, it's your honeymoon - splurge a little and rent a Kevlar canoe for $250. :) I've been married 45 years and it's a long time until the 2nd honeymoon ;).

As far as the trip, I tell people it's "backpacking with a canoe". You'll be doing a lot of portaging to get to Little Sag, especially if you "double portage" like most people. Don't push yourself to single portage, but if you're young, fit, and packed light, it would save about 4 miles, making it 12 miles.

I like Little Sag, been there a couple of times, once from Kawishiwi Lake entry and once from Cross Bay. Was there 2 nights first time and never saw anyone else. Second time, one other tandem briefly. Campsite #812 on the west side is nice - elevated with good views. Good tent pad.

I usually only travel 12 miles (or less) per day and would leave a day for weather. You have plenty of time to go out and back. If the first day gets too long, just stop on Crooked or Mora.

Get an early start. Are you staying nearby the night before?

Make sure you make time for a quick hike up to Honeymoon Bluff! Turn on the road to Golden Eagle Lodge and look for the signs.

My wife and I rented a kevlar canoe from Tuscarora Outfitters this year on a 4 day trip. (Looking at your map of possible route, your Entry is on Round Lake where Tuscarora Outfitters is located). Cost me $46 a day for a total of $184. For your 5 day trip it would be $230. Well worth it. They also have other equipment to rent if needed. We rented portage packs and a water filter. We also took advantage of staying in their bunkhouse the night before, ate the signature french toast breakfast the morning we entered the boundary waters, and arranged having them take us, and our equipment to our entry point. Upon return we had a hot shower in their new shower house. For your first trip an outfitter can be helpful for getting you set up for a great experience and trip. Being prepared with the proper gear can make your experience a positive one so you want to return, or not being prepared, and being a one and never again. There is no place like being in the BWCA. My wife and I talk about our days spent there all year long. Congrats and enjoy your time together and the unbelievable experience you get in the BWCA.

8 hours of travel is a long day. By the time you add in a stop for lunch, loading and unloading canoes, stopping for a quick snack and drink of water, etc, it could easily turn into 9-10 hours! Since you are open to a more "nomadic" trip. How about this:

Day 1 - Round to Crooked. Make sure your water bottle i full to the top before you start the 1.3 mile portage to Tuscarora Lake. I always enjoy these walks in the woods. Tuscarora Lake is pretty. There is a sand beach where the portage ends from Howl Lake. There are beautiful cliffs on the southwest shore as you head to the portage to Owl Lake. On Crooked, there is a 5 star campsite on the island that looks into the western bay of Crooked Lake. You can mini-cliff jump into the water from the porch of your campsite or just watch the schools of fish swim by.

Day 2 - The portage from Crooked to Tarry Lakes ends in a boulder field on the south side. Stage your equipment back a ways until you are ready to load. The portage from Mora to Little Sag follows a beautiful river bed. There is a steep up and down at the Little Sag end so help each other here. If it is windy there are a couple of campsites in the protected bay here on the east end of LS. Otherwise you have arrived with enough time today to paddle a bit and take your pick of campsites for your magnificnet view!

Day 3 - Enjoy exploring and fishing Little Sag!

Day 4 - Little Sag to Gillis. LIttle Sag, Virgin, West Fern, Powell, French, Little Sag. You can also go back the way you came in through Mora, Tarry, and Crooked to Gillis. (Or stop on your 5 star spot on Crooked for one more night.) .

Day 5 - Gillis to Round. Gillis, Bat, Green, Flying, Gotter, Brant, West Round, Round. This is a lot of in and out of the canoe and there is some mud along this route out. But I though you might like to see some new territory on the way out. So if you would prefer, you can go back through Tuscarora and the 1.3 mile portage.

I think this is a more relaxed plan. It puts you on Little Sag with time to find a nice site for a couple of nights. Instead of arriving with not much daylight left, hungry and tired. This is supposed to be FUN after all.

This also gives you time to develop a pattern and rhythm for paddling and portaging. Each trip takes on its own rhythm, especially at portage ends and on the trail.

Some other things to consider:
1. Carry as few loose items as possible - Fishing gear, paddles, pfd's, etc. Try to get as much of that as you can into a pack or grouped together as you can. PFD's can be zipped to the canoe seats. Some canoe allow you to wedge the paddles in under the seats for the portage.
2. Have you considered how you are going to make your food bear resistant. Hang? Blue Barrel? etc.
3. Make sure you have good rain gear.
4. Having a tarp (with adequate rope) helps in many weather situations.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Jerryberry, where are you from? I just let a young couple use my canoe a month ago. Similar situation. It's not super light but is in good shape. Maybe 62 lbs. Pete

Should add I am on the twin cities

Listen to the Heart O the Park podcast episodes from Tumblehome. They take this route to Little Sag and beyond and have great explanations and reviews. If I recall they stay on the lake again on the way out.

Oh, and rent a Kevlar tandem canoe from Tuscarora outfitters. They're a sponsor here, so is the Podcast.

We actually really like this plan Mich, chances are we will do something similar to this. Buying some last minute equipment on amazon currently. As far as bears are concerned, we will be bringing paracord to hang up our packs with food. Really appreciate this elaborate plan, that cliff jumping sounds really fun.

I think we will make the circuit to make things interesting on the way back instead of back track.

One other question, how are bugs this time of year? We will be bring some deep woods bug spray along with some wristbands and potentially treat the clothes we're bringing.

Any particular fishing spots along the route that are recommended? I've read that pan fish, trout, and walleye are the best fish in terms of food. Also any recommendations in terms of rod/lure setups? Been fishing a decent bit this summer but I'm by no means an expert angler. Thanks again for the help and wishes everyone :)

Any tips on easily transporting fishing rods/gear? I was thinking we could put them along the rungs of canoe during portage

pswith5: "Jerryberry, where are you from? I just let a young couple use my canoe a month ago. Similar situation. It's not super light but is in good shape. Maybe 62 lbs. Pete
"

I appreciate the offer pswith5, but I'm actually in the process of buying a canoe from someone off of Craigslist. Someone brought up a good point to me that even though the hit off dropping a decent bit on a canoe can suck, they keep their value for the most part and I could get most the money back I spent on it later down the road. Very generous of you though!

Congratulations to you and your wife! You’ve been given solid advice by both Michwall and boonie. Those guys know their stuff! You’ll be on one of my very favorite routes in the whole of the BWCA. The lake trout fishing on both Crooked and Little Sag is solid even at this time of year if you’re inclined to wet a line. You’ll get to see a bit of the best of everything the place has to offer, and you should get all the solitude your heart desires. Last year on Little Sag we saw literally no one for two or three days.

My husband and I will be somewhere in the midst of that loop at the same time you are (going in Saturday and coming out Wednesday). At your age and properly equipped, you shouldn’t have a problem pushing for Little Sag the first day if you feel like it. You’ll know you’ve done some work at the end of the day, but it isn’t overly difficult. Even the Tuscarora portage isn’t hard, just long.

If you happen to pass a middle aged couple in a rented Kevlar from Sawbill, that would be us! Twenty-two years together and we still haven’t bought our own. Glad you two are getting a jump on that right off the bat :) May it serve you guys well in the years to come and may you enjoy a lifetime of fabulous adventure together!

Congrats! You are going to have a great time! I'm really glad you decided to switch to a canoe for this trip. It really is the best option.

Do you and your wife have any canoe experience? If you can, I would recommend a few test paddles before the trip. It took my wife and I a bit to get used to canoes after having used kayaks for most of our lives.

We did our first BWCA trip this spring. The first day was rougher on us than we anticipated, but we ended up having an amazing time. Don't let a rough portage or a tricky beaver dam dampen your spirits too much. If you enjoy a drink around the campfire, I've found boxed wine to travel well.

There is a ton of great info in the forum on gear recommendations, bug info, fishing info, etc you can explore so the only real advice I'm going to offer is please wear your PFD when you are on the water, even if you're great swimmers, and especially since this is your first big canoe trip. It's easy to underestimate how disorienting it is to flip a canoe and how quickly things can become scary.

Have an amazing trip! I'm going in for a 15 day solo from Snowbank the same day you guys are heading in. Hope the weather is good and the fishing is at least decent :)

Michwall's suggestion to loop up through Gillis to Brant and out is a good one. I've been through there a couple of years ago and it'll be a change of pace and scenery. I didn't experience much mud when I went through. I did manage not to fall off the boardwalk ;).

Reasons for the suggestions on reducing/eliminating loose gear are twofold. You can end up spending as much time getting ready to portage/launch as you do actually portaging on shorter portages. And it reduces the chances of leaving something behind.

Definitely treat the clothing and bring bug repellent. If you have any, it'll probably just be around dusk, but . . .. An insect shield buff and/or headnet can useful. Long sleeves and pants provide sun protection as well as bug protection. Don't forget the sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. Dry socks, shoes for camp.

A couple of other things - get "painters" for the canoe and consider carrying a spare paddle. Painters are bow and stern lines that can be used to line the canoe and tie it off at night. It's a good idea to carry it up in the trees at night, turn over, and tie off.

JerryBerry: "

We actually really like this plan Mich, chances are we will do something similar to this. Buying some last minute equipment on amazon currently. As far as bears are concerned, we will be bringing paracord to hang up our packs with food. Really appreciate this elaborate plan, that cliff jumping sounds really fun.

I think we will make the circuit to make things interesting on the way back instead of back track.

One other question, how are bugs this time of year? We will be bring some deep woods bug spray along with some wristbands and potentially treat the clothes we're bringing.

Any particular fishing spots along the route that are recommended? I've read that pan fish, trout, and walleye are the best fish in terms of food. Also any recommendations in terms of rod/lure setups? Been fishing a decent bit this summer but I'm by no means an expert angler. Thanks again for the help and wishes everyone :)

Any tips on easily transporting fishing rods/gear? I was thinking we could put them along the rungs of canoe during portage"

You will enjoy the loop instead of the out and back. I just remember one particular boardwalk where the board wasn't secure and it tipped me off and I sank one leg knee deep in the mud while carrying the canoe.

Bugs. There has been a thread on here about the state of bugs. Keeps popping back to the top every once and awhile so it shouldn't be too deep. Late Aug the bugs should be on the downward slide, but a couple posts lately indicate not. I use permethrin on my tripping clothes all year round now just to try to keep ticks off. (I can get spray bottles of permethrin at my local Dick's Sporting Goods Store now. One bottle will treat about one set of clothing.) The mosquitoes are usually only a problem on a portage or two and at dusk. For only a small mosquito problem, I will use a lemon/eucalyptus spray. For heavier concentrations I will use either picardin or, as a last resort, DEET.

Fishing - I am only a half-hearted fisherman. While I will fish, it is not my main reason for being there. Many others here have much better advice for you. They tend not to want to share spots on the open board though. However, they will often share a spot or two over email. Check the "Fishing Forum" and ask in another post about a specific lake and you may get better responses.

I like to strap my poles together for travel. Mine break down in half so I don't have to portage full length rods. Others here strap the poles to the thwarts on the canoe and portage them there. (It makes balancing the canoe on your shoulders for portages a little harder though.) In either case, I have used both Velcro tie wraps or Bungee Dealee Bobs . The Bungee Dealee Bobs work better and are marketed by a member here, but the Velcro tie wraps will also do the trick.

Boonie Mentioned: "A couple of other things - get "painters" for the canoe and consider carrying a spare paddle. Painters are bow and stern lines that can be used to line the canoe and tie it off at night. It's a good idea to carry it up in the trees at night, turn over, and tie off."

I would add that you should never let your canoe rest in the water for any length of time (like overnight). The wave action will rock the canoe against the trees & rocks and slowly dig a hole in the canoe. We will pull our canoe out of the water even if we are just stopped for lunch. Maybe over protective, but its the only one I have.

Both of you should have polarized sun glasses, especially the bow person. It helps clear the glare on the water to be able to see into the water for underwater obstructions.

Maps - I am sure that you have been researching the route with the maps online. You will need waterproof maps and a compass to stay found. I know there are sporting goods stores in the Twin Cities that have BW maps. Fisher, McKenzie, and Voyageur are three of the most likely brands to be found. I like the Voyageur for all the information that they include, but they have some inconvenient break points for some trips. However, your trip fits nicely in a No. 6 Voyageur. Map cases are nice, but expensive. A one or two gallon zip lock will work just as well. I usually pack a second map at the bottom of a pack just in case our main one gets left at a campsite or portage end.

We never leave a portage end without everyone understanding where we are headed on a lake. Sometimes that is obvious, other times not so much. It is not fun for the bow paddler to think we are headed to the left and the stern paddler trying to go right! Try to stay found with the map as you paddle. Note the campsites you pass, the bays and points, etc. Sitting low in a canoe on the water, it may take a little while for you to be able to find and identify landmarks on the shore. By keeping myself found, I rarely have to consult the compass, but sometimes I do. (Did we just paddle twice around that island?) .

Remember, no map matches perfectly the conditions you might encounter. Water levels go up and down, beaver dams come and go, the campsite dots are not exactly placed, portage ends are not exactly where placed on the map, etc. Most of the time it is obvious, but sometimes you have to go on a scavenger hunt. All part of the adventure!

PDF's - Buy or rent good "paddling" style pdf's that fit properly. It is not fun to get an hour into your trip and realize your pdf is going to chafe you silly.

Paddle length does matter. You said that you are buying a canoe! Congrats! If paddles come with, check out the sizing. Too short leaves you without power and not as much control. Too long and you can't get the paddle vertical and it will hamper your control. Someone suggested trying your canoe locally before getting to the BW. Great idea. If your budget is looking well worn (as I expect it might be by now), you can rent correctly sized paddles from the outfitter at the entry.

Look up what others carry in their First Aid kits here. I know you are backpackers and likely already have a kit, but there may be things that happen on a canoe trip that you wouldn't think of for backpacking. e.g. I know you are just married and all, but consider leaving your new wedding jewelry in a safe place. If I get blisters it is most likely on my hands (paddle) and on my left hand if I forget and leave my wedding ring on.

Take one small luxury item a piece. Since you have decided to dial back a little on the work each day, you may have room to make the trip more fun! Someone suggested wine in a box (remember - no glass or cans). When my boys were younger, I did not carry adult beverages. But now that they are of age, I will carry a small flask. We carry a cribbage board always. When the mosquitoes force you to retreat to the tent at dusk, a few games of cribbage are in order. Each of us usually brings a small paperback. If we finish it we can switch books. I bring a small soduko book.

Bring a journal. Keep track of what works and what doesn't. What you liked about your campsite, what you didn't like. Any particular wildlife encounters. Write and an article for Boundary Waters Journal about your first trip! Or start your book about your experiences in the BW!

Cameras? I have a small water resistant, digital point and shoot. Some people bring much more powerful equipment. Some people buy disposables. How will you visually document your trip?

Wow! That's a lot for one morning. Maybe it will trigger thoughts in others about things they wished they knew for their first trip!

1bogfrog: "Congratulations to you and your wife! You’ve been given solid advice by both Michwall and boonie. Those guys know their stuff! You’ll be on one of my very favorite routes in the whole of the BWCA. The lake trout fishing on both Crooked and Little Sag is solid even at this time of year if you’re inclined to wet a line. You’ll get to see a bit of the best of everything the place has to offer, and you should get all the solitude your heart desires. Last year on Little Sag we saw literally no one for two or three days.


My husband and I will be somewhere in the midst of that loop at the same time you are (going in Saturday and coming out Wednesday). At your age and properly equipped, you shouldn’t have a problem pushing for Little Sag the first day if you feel like it. You’ll know you’ve done some work at the end of the day, but it isn’t overly difficult. Even the Tuscarora portage isn’t hard, just long.


If you happen to pass a middle aged couple in a rented Kevlar from Sawbill, that would be us! Twenty-two years together and we still haven’t bought our own. Glad you two are getting a jump on that right off the bat :) May it serve you guys well in the years to come and may you enjoy a lifetime of fabulous adventure together!"

Thanks for the fishing advise 1bogfrog! If we happen to see you two we will definitely say hello. Any rod set ups recommended for trout in this area? Still a beginner. And thank you for the warm wishes!

hoosconnie: "Congrats! You are going to have a great time! I'm really glad you decided to switch to a canoe for this trip. It really is the best option.


Do you and your wife have any canoe experience? If you can, I would recommend a few test paddles before the trip. It took my wife and I a bit to get used to canoes after having used kayaks for most of our lives.


We did our first BWCA trip this spring. The first day was rougher on us than we anticipated, but we ended up having an amazing time. Don't let a rough portage or a tricky beaver dam dampen your spirits too much. If you enjoy a drink around the campfire, I've found boxed wine to travel well.


There is a ton of great info in the forum on gear recommendations, bug info, fishing info, etc you can explore so the only real advice I'm going to offer is please wear your PFD when you are on the water, even if you're great swimmers, and especially since this is your first big canoe trip. It's easy to underestimate how disorienting it is to flip a canoe and how quickly things can become scary.


Have an amazing trip! I'm going in for a 15 day solo from Snowbank the same day you guys are heading in. Hope the weather is good and the fishing is at least decent :) "

Yea I'll start digging through some other forum threads to pick up on other equipment recommendations

I have a fair bit of canoeing experience but my wife has only done it a handful of times. We are buying paddling gloves based on some others recommendations to prevent hand blisters. Good point with the PFDs we'll definitely do a test run with all the equipment before hand to practice/ rule out any equipment issues.

Funny you mention the boxed wine, I had the same thoughts and we'll be bringing a flask of whiskey for some enjoyment.

Good luck on the solo expedition, hope you have a safe trip and enjoy the solitude!

boonie: "Michwall's suggestion to loop up through Gillis to Brant and out is a good one. I've been through there a couple of years ago and it'll be a change of pace and scenery. I didn't experience much mud when I went through. I did manage not to fall off the boardwalk ;).


Reasons for the suggestions on reducing/eliminating loose gear are twofold. You can end up spending as much time getting ready to portage/launch as you do actually portaging on shorter portages. And it reduces the chances of leaving something behind.


Definitely treat the clothing and bring bug repellent. If you have any, it'll probably just be around dusk, but . . .. An insect shield buff and/or headnet can useful. Long sleeves and pants provide sun protection as well as bug protection. Don't forget the sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. Dry socks, shoes for camp.


A couple of other things - get "painters" for the canoe and consider carrying a spare paddle. Painters are bow and stern lines that can be used to line the canoe and tie it off at night. It's a good idea to carry it up in the trees at night, turn over, and tie off. "

Thanks for the tips Boonie, yea bringing the canoe on land is the way to go. Waking up to damaged/lost canoe is no fun.

Michwall2: "

JerryBerry: "


....


"

Wow. Lots of thorough advice here Mich, thank you!

Good idea on the maps, a soaked/lost map would make for a very difficult trip in terms of navigation. I'll start going to local sporting goods places to look for some of the maps you had mentioned

Jerry,

Cheap, shiny, deep-diving crank baits under a 1oz trolling weight were key for our lake trout success on those lakes the past few years. Troll them at 20-30 feet deep over deeper areas (60-90 feet). It’s the flash that does it. Lake trout will come up many, many feet to hit a lure. Unlike, say, walleye which will probably die if caught out of deep water and released lakers are equipped to deal with the big depth changes for feeding in this way. Hot tip: if you manage to get the 5 star peninsula site on Little Sag, troll all through the area just off of it, preferably in the sunny hours. It should keep you busy.

Cheers!
Adrienne