Do you really enjoy going that time of year? Less sunlight, cold at night, fishing is tough, water is colder... Sure, I get it that there are fewer people and the mosquitos are gone, but I'm not a fan of the short days and, frankly, I'm just a warm weather dude. Late fall trips just don't appeal to me.

How do you do it and why do you like it?

It is beautiful, stunningly quiet, solitary, more than a little spooky and deeply moving.

I used to go early Sept just after Labor Day. Temps were still good (70s in day, low 50s at night), loons were still around, skeeters were gone, people were less in number and the leaves were starting to change. I can't vouch for the end of Sept and early Oct, but early to mid Sept is perfect paddling.

I enjoy the changing of the weather. When the precursor to winter arrives, it often brings short bursts of snow and gusty winds separated by crystal blue skies. The paddling is often type 2 fun when battling the snow and gusty winds, but a bliss you can't describe when the deep blue skies and calm interrupts the challenging weather.

Evenings are long and a great time to reminisce around a campfire or around a wood stove if you bring in a hot tent.

Breaking shoreline ice is not a lot of fun, so best to pay attention to weather reports.

I like the cooler temps, probably because I work in cool conditions. The dark affects me on solo trips because I associate darkness with sleep time. At the same time, I am unable to stay in a sleeping bag for very long due to various aches and pains.

Spring is easier because I can get cooler temps, but a little more daylight. Mid May is best, mid September 2nd best.

Pete

I love the mid Sept to mid October trips. This week, the forecast calls for partly cloudy days, with highs in the mid 50s-to 60/ lows in the 40s. The wacky people we had this summer will most likely be gone, and so will the bugs.

It's a good possibility that I am going in Wednesday this week. I'm all packed and ready to go.

Went the third week of Sept last year. My first fall trip. The quiet is deafening. The few sounds you hear are exaggerated because of this. Even during the week that we were there, the transformation in the forest was amazing. Very clear change in the color over 4 days. The water was already bracingly cold. Complete immersion would be painful (to my body anyhow). The nights were long. We would sleep some and then turn over and sleep some more. Look out and it was still dark and we would sleep some more. Make sure you have good batteries along!

Star watching is great. Less moisture in the air brings better viewing. We saw some wonderful wildlife! The only time we see otters is when my wife is along. We saw a family crossing South Temperance Lake as we were leaving.

The rain is cold. I will bring a bigger tarp when I go in the fall again.

We had some wind on the last day. It made travel more work, but I enjoyed the different feel of the forest and look of the water.

Things I missed:
I missed swimming. I missed song birds. I missed the flowers of spring or summer.

The forest feels more old. Almost rushed as it tries to get ready for a long winter.

I would go back. It is a different time of year and gives a whole new appreciation for what fall really means in the forest. It is magical.

We only took one fall trip, and it was in 2004. September 22 (Autumnal Equinox) til October 1st. It was a nice trip, but I realized then that I enjoyed late spring (early June) a lot more. I didn't care for the short days, long nights, lack of flowers and loons. Fewer songbirds, too. We had good weather until the last day, when we paddled Poplar Lake in a snowstorm.

But then, I am not a person who enjoys fall in general, so I suppose that factored in. 2004 was the only time we were ever able to get two trips in one year, and the spring one ended on June 20th, which was the Summer Solstice. As a person who loves the freshness of spring, I liked it much better.

Taking my first October trip, entering this Saturday 8/10. A little nervous about rain/wind - but am excited for no bugs and people. Going to Lake one - Insula, an area I would never consider outside of shoulder season.

Eight years ago, I started taking trips in the middle of September or early October and thought I was just getting lucky with weather each year. It would be a little windy, chilly in the morning and rarely, if ever, did it rain. If it did, it was just for half a day or something. As it turns out, this is the weather I get almost every year now. I love the ability to get a morning fire going with breakfast and warming up for the day, followed by some fishing that usually results in fewer, but bigger fish and usually a trout or something for dinner.

I don't want to make it sound too great that it gets crowded, but I've loved my fall trips and will continue them every year that I can.

I'd echo what others have said about exploring what would be popular areas and loving it after the season closes down. My brother and I did the Kawishiwi Triangle a few years ago in November. We didn't see another person and paddled in t-shirts and caught a full dinner. I've also been snowed on. Let me tell you, seeing snow cover the shore from the middle of a lake is quite magical.

I slept WAY better last week with lows in the upper 20’s to 30’s than I did last July which was hot every night.

The colors were fantastic.

Campfires are much more enjoyable when there is a chill to ward off and it’s dark.

The moose are in rut. I didn’t get to see either, but paddled by two bulls the other day in different areas snorting and grunting and making a fuss.

I could leave my tent door wide open so my dogs could go in and out as they pleased.

I bring a little better and more food and warmer clothes, and I move around a bit less - but you can sometimes have a popular lake all to yourself. After all the talk of crowds this summer, I just had five days when I did not see anyone.

I do a Spring and Fall trip. I usually do a high mileage fishing oriented solo trip in the Spring. Fall is a shorter length trip with more layover days. Will do a camp fire every night in the Fall. More star and foliage gazing in the Fall. I also have been taking the wife in the Fall.

I love the cooler weather, I am a big guy and I sweat a lot. I am more comfortable paddling and sleeping from 20-50 than I am in 60 degree plus weather. I also hate bugs. Not creeped out by them, just annoyed. An abundance of bugs could ruin a trip for me. I also don't like crowds, and I don't stay up late so late season trips give me a chance to star gaze.

Much appreciate this thread, and, not having BW trips in that season but other closer ventures: it seems to somehow be more a time for reflection. And, yeah, more bag-time.

I love snuggling deep in my sleeping bag rather than sweating through the night like I did this year in early July with temps in the 90's during the day and tropical dew points at night.

I also have rarely had rain during a September or October trip. The sky is a stunning different sort of blue. I rarely get to do fall trips anymore due to my work schedule, but I did get to enjoy 2 days in mid-September this year. Loved it!

I do miss swimming, but a worthy trade off in my opinion.

Jackfish: "Do you really enjoy going that time of year? Less sunlight, cold at night, fishing is tough, water is colder... Sure, I get it that there are fewer people and the mosquitos are gone, but I'm not a fan of the short days and, frankly, I'm just a warm weather dude. Late fall trips just don't appeal to me.

How do you do it and why do you like it?"

I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy going that time of year. About half of my 20+ trips have been between September 15 and October 15. The shorter days don't bother me a bit, nor does the cooler weather. The cooler weather just means a few more clothes. I'm always tripping in the fall and don't take any fishing gear so that is not an issue either.

There are fewer people up there so I don't worry about getting a nice campsite, which means I paddle later in the day, usually picking a campsite an hour or two before it gets dark. After camp is set and supper is done, I look forward to staring into a nice fire, reflecting on the days journey, recalling the sights and sounds of the day, until it's time to turn in.

One thing I really look forward to is not seeing another soul for the entire time I'm there. Yeah, I really like the fall trips. :-)

I love them too.....took some newbies to Hog Creek last week and it was glorious! Saw a bull moose, and saw so many migrating birds. Got woken up in the night by trumpeter swans. The colors were outstanding, and we saw almost no one. Yeah, it's colder, so no swimming, but...no bugs. More fun sitting around the fire, cooking, the only downside for me is the long nights.

But then, I am not really a summer person....too dang hot!

- sleep easier/better
- fall colors
- better chance for moose sighting. Imho
- brook trout sporting their colors
- moon rising, star gazing, northern lights can be breathtaking. Better odds of seeing.
- campfires are way more enjoyable.
- fresh food and drinks easier to keep cold.
- autumn forests have an intoxicating aroma.

I’ll do late September/early October if it’s my only shot at a trip for the year, or if someone invites me and my schedule and finances permit.

The cons are what you listed, Jackfish. Given a choice, I will always pick the warm or hot weather times first. The biggest drawback to summer - aside from more challenging campsite claiming - would be the likelihood of a fire ban.

All that said, I still enjoyed my fall trip a couple years ago. More stuff to bring and higher likelihood of being stuck in camp vs out paddling/fishing, but one adapts and enjoys.

TuscaroraBorealis: "- sleep easier/better
- fall colors
- better chance for moose sighting. Imho
- brook trout sporting their colors
- moon rising, star gazing, northern lights can be breathtaking. Better odds of seeing.
- campfires are way more enjoyable.
- fresh food and drinks easier to keep cold.
- autumn forests have an intoxicating aroma.
"

This ^^^

In 2012, I paddled from August 20th to Sept 28th. Probably one of my favorite trips. One thing I didn’t like was some of the wind I encountered and the moisture in the mornings. Leaving rain flies up or on in the morning and you were packing them wet.

I enjoyed the darkness as much as anything. Didn’t have much frost until the end. Fewer people? Yes, but still plenty encountered.

Every season has it’s good and not so greats. Winter is the worst for canoeing... the water gets so darn hard!

Second or third week in September is my latest. Like the cooler days. Earlier darkness is not a problem but the colder nites are an issue with me. Even the second week can have mornings in the freezing range.

I like the crisp morning and more comfortable paddle weather, no bugs, and a fire is always better when it's needed to keep you warm.

And as others have said, it brings the wilderness back to some entry point lakes. I've gone in mid/late October and paddled back to the Sawbill landing from Cherokee without seeing a soul.

I miss the loons. And it's a bummer not being able to grill up a lake trout in October.

pswith5: "I like the cooler temps, probably because I work in cool conditions. The dark affects me on solo trips because I associate darkness with sleep time. At the same time, I am unable to stay in a sleeping bag for very long due to various aches and pains.
Pete"

This cot has made a world of difference to these Boomer joints. I won't leave home without it. If you buy one, shop for prices lower than those listed here:

HITORHIKE CAMPING COT

Jackfish: "Do you really enjoy going that time of year? Less sunlight, cold at night, fishing is tough, water is colder... Sure, I get it that there are fewer people and the mosquitos are gone, but I'm not a fan of the short days and, frankly, I'm just a warm weather dude. Late fall trips just don't appeal to me.

How do you do it and why do you like it?"

Big difference between mid sept and early to mid Oct for day length. I don't mind the shorter days. Keeps my travel days shorter and I've come to enjoy that. Only real problem was an early Oct trip with a fire ban. Real bummer drinking cocktails around a dark fire pit with your headlamp on starting at 6:30. I seem to catch enough fish for a meal or 2 over 5-7 day trip. I really like not sweating my tail off on portages and enjoy the cool breeze coming across the colder water. Sleeping in a cool/cold tent is tons better than trying to sleep in a hot tent. I miss the bird sounds but will trade it for bug absence. Finally Pete, if you have not taken your wife during peak leaf color time, you should go sleep in the dog house.

Now that I am retired from education, I foresee a fall trip. I would love to see the fall colors and fewer people. I'm thinking mid-September to early October!

Bruce

When I used to go in the fall I would bring an axe, saw to process lots of firewood. We normally would base camp and bring in lots of gear and food. I like fall trips because of one last trip before the long haul of winter.

Savage Voyageur: "When I used to go in the fall I would bring an axe, saw to process lots of firewood. We normally would base camp and bring in lots of gear and food. I like fall trips because of one last trip before the long haul of winter. "

You hit the thing I just thought of too... one last trip before winter you think would help you get through winter better. While maybe true, also gets your anticipation boiling for the next season. That said, winter is an excellent time to visit the forums on gear, cooking/ food, planning... and dialing in on what your going to bring and such. Instead of asking how much fuel, play with it and see how much fuel you use with your stove. And how big of portions you need to bring to make or break a trip. Maybe lessons learned on that last trip of the year can spark off what you want to work for the next season.

October trips can be the best of times. And October trips can be the worst of times. If you hit the weather right you simply can’t beat it. If you hit the weather wrong, well, a beer and pizza a day early in Ely is guaranteed.

Arkansas Man: "Now that I am retired from education, I foresee a fall trip. I would love to see the fall colors and fewer people. I'm thinking mid-September to early October!


Bruce"

+1. That's what I did.

I appreciate this thread. In early September I planned for a shortish mid-Oct trip (15th to 18th) and I'd been watching the long-term forecast for Ely those days. First it was highs around 50 and lows around 40. Then as we got closer it was highs around 45 and lows around freezing. Right now the forecast says highs from 38-40 and lows from 26-28, so I'll be enjoying some frost every single morning.

I'm still looking forward to it, but I'm also mentally preparing myself for a potential early exit (and that beer & pizza in Ely) or not pushing very far in at all.

Though, I also tell myself "mostly cloudy" DOES mean "a little sunny"...

gravelroad: "

pswith5: "I like the cooler temps, probably because I work in cool conditions. The dark affects me on solo trips because I associate darkness with sleep time. At the same time, I am unable to stay in a sleeping bag for very long due to various aches and pains.
Pete"

This cot has made a world of difference to these Boomer joints. I won't leave home without it. If you buy one, shop for prices lower than those listed here:


HITORHIKE CAMPING COT "

I have what is probably the Chinese knock off version of this cot. My father had it and gave it to me quite awhile ago. The last few years I have used it on paddle in base camping trips mostly in late October early November in the UP of Michigan. It certainly makes for a comfortable nights sleep with the proper sleep system.

I always watch for reasonable late season weather and if a window develops will go. Two years ago a friend and I went to Sylvania at the end of October and had nice weather the first few days/nights and then got hit with a blizzard on the morning of day four. The pluses were absolutely no other people, great sleeping weather, wonderful long evening campfire sessions and crystal clear cool days. The minus was the blizzard that started early am on our departure day. But I kind of enjoyed the paddle back to the car in occasional white out conditions.

TuscaroraBorealis: "- sleep easier/better
- fall colors
- better chance for moose sighting. Imho
- brook trout sporting their colors
- moon rising, star gazing, northern lights can be breathtaking. Better odds of seeing.
- campfires are way more enjoyable.
- fresh food and drinks easier to keep cold.
- autumn forests have an intoxicating aroma.
"

My brother (Mobile, AL) called me (Kansas) the end of August asking me to accompany him on a, first for both of us, venture into the BWCA-Sept, 17 to 21. We had to adjust our original plan due to the crowds but this was the best thing that could have happened-we made a great choice. Otherwise, the weather was gorgeous-even the hard frost the first night and your list is 100% applicable to us. The brook trout fishing was world-class spectacular in size, numbers and beauty...simply incredible.

outsidethebox: "

TuscaroraBorealis: "- sleep easier/better
- fall colors
- better chance for moose sighting. Imho
- brook trout sporting their colors
- moon rising, star gazing, northern lights can be breathtaking. Better odds of seeing.
- campfires are way more enjoyable.
- fresh food and drinks easier to keep cold.
- autumn forests have an intoxicating aroma.
"

My brother (Mobile, AL) called me (Kansas) the end of August asking me to accompany him on a, first for both of us, venture into the BWCA-Sept, 17 to 21. We had to adjust our original plan due to the crowds but this was the best thing that could have happened-we made a great choice. Otherwise, the weather was gorgeous-even the hard frost the first night and your list is 100% applicable to us. The brook trout fishing was world-class spectacular in size, numbers and beauty...simply incredible. "

Do expand...numbers and size!

And location...

Choice of campsites - such as the premium site below Lower Basswood Falls.
Honing fishing skills - you think you've got them, you work harder and learn something new.
Wildlife - Ducks are stuffing themselves with wild rice by the hundreds. Also its the only time we heard wolves howling at night (and close by). It's creepy.
Respect - More awareness and care given to our surroundings. Changing weather and cold water conditions brings about more caution than summer.

I've always gone in June. We like the long days and decent fishing. Bugs can be bad though. We have been talking about September or October trips recently though. The main reason against it is hunting season conflicts and just being gone from home too much, but is really is a nice time of year. Personally, I'm in better shape in the fall than I am in the spring because I have been outside and active all summer. So with being in better shape, the sun not being as intense, and having an easier time getting up at dawn, it is just easier to get out and do things in the fall.

Most issues why I camp in Oct have already been covered, so I'll just leave this pic here from a few days ago.

Duff: " "

Oh my goodness... Duff, that is an amazing photo. I hope you have that one matted, framed and on the wall. Beautiful.

airmorse: "And location..."

First, being our initial visit, we were guided. It took us an hour, from our base camp, to get to this lake. My brother is an expert fly fisherman and wanted to see what he could figure out in this regard...I am nine years older and fish like our father :) We fished the lake two days-3 to 4 hours each time. The first day we boated six or seven-the action was fairly evenly divided between the three of us.

We returned two days later to see if there were more of those beauties in there...and now it is story time. Frankly, we lost track of the numbers. I am guessing that we netted 20 to 25 of them that day. They were 15 to 19 inches-incredibly healthy and beautiful specimens. If you go to the Boundary Water Outfitters FB page...or our guide Craig Best's page there are a couple pictures. Or mine, Warren Yoder. Edit: Better yet got to youtube and watch my brother's video "In which Dwight and Warren paddle the Boundary Waters and find brook trout".

I'm old...am sure my grandsons can post pictures here-I can't.
The lake...sorry, we're not disclosing. No one else was fishing this lake on either day we were there.

Sounds like it could be the trip of a lifetime! Hopefully not.

I'm 67 going on 47 :) ...plenty of years left. I grew up small stream trout/brook trout fishing in Michigan and Northern Indiana. Had never caught one over 13-14 inches before.

Two years ago my wife and I, while camping at Bear Head Lake State Park, had a good time catching brookies at Cub Lake - so I will offer that location...but no 15+ inchers.

Jackfish: "

Duff: " "

Oh my goodness... Duff, that is an amazing photo. I hope you have that one matted, framed and on the wall. Beautiful."

Beautiful Picture!

I head up Monday night next week for a 6 day solo trip. Going to stay on the fringes but genuinely looking forward to some solitude, the Orionids at their peak, and a chance at some fish fattening up for the winter...and some longer evenings by the fire with a good book (or 3) and tobacco in the pipe.

I like fall trips for this....


And this.

Late October, solo trip, had the entire BWCA to myself. This summer was my first BWCA summer trip in years. I avoid the crowds. We switched from summer canoe trips to North Dakota horse trips. The new oil fields messed that up.

mooseplums: "
I like fall trips for this....


And this. "

Great photos. I especially love the paddle and trout one. Did you make your paddle? Love that moose on it!

PuffinGin: "

mooseplums: "
I like fall trips for this....


And this. "

Great photos. I especially love the paddle and trout one. Did you make your paddle? Love that moose on it! "

It's a Sawyer paddle and I added the moose.

Because the air is clear and keen like a fine dry wine, and the deep blue shadows of early evening fill the sky and reflect on the water.

Wow. gotta get retired before i am retired from the scene.

outsidethebox: "

airmorse: "And location..."

First, being our initial visit, we were guided. It took us an hour, from our base camp, to get to this lake. My brother is an expert fly fisherman and wanted to see what he could figure out in this regard...I am nine years older and fish like our father :) We fished the lake two days-3 to 4 hours each time. The first day we boated six or seven-the action was fairly evenly divided between the three of us.


We returned two days later to see if there were more of those beauties in there...and now it is story time. Frankly, we lost track of the numbers. I am guessing that we netted 20 to 25 of them that day. They were 15 to 19 inches-incredibly healthy and beautiful specimens. If you go to the Boundary Water Outfitters FB page...or our guide Craig Best's page there are a couple pictures. Or mine, Warren Yoder. Edit: Better yet got to youtube and watch my brother's video "In which Dwight and Warren paddle the Boundary Waters and find brook trout".


I'm old...am sure my grandsons can post pictures here-I can't.
The lake...sorry, we're not disclosing. No one else was fishing this lake on either day we were there.



"

Can't blame me for asking.

Your trip sounds like it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm glad you got to experience that with your brother.

I used to fly fish, but haven't for quite some time.

I'm not on FB. But I'll do an internet search of your outfitter.

Thanks.

mooseplums: "
I like fall trips for this....


And this."

Nice!!!

airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking.

Your trip sounds like it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm glad you got to experience that with your brother.

I used to fly fish, but haven't for quite some time.

I'm not on FB. But I'll do an internet search of your outfitter.

Thanks."

You certainly may ask. The nondisclosure is at the request of our guide. I will say that we fished this lake, mostly, per our request-so the general information is out there for the viewing public to discover and to be informed. At the same time Craig gladly took us up on our suggestion-stating that it was the best brook trout lake in the state...we cast a wary eye-we are now believers.

The You Tube clip my brother has entered does not show the fish real well but BWCA beauty and the spirit of the event is somewhat captured-you should be able to google it through You Tube with the information provided.

And no bugs

Thanks for the pic accolades. As with pics, it's usually right place, right time.

I feel I should answer the original subby's question with a little more detail. 90% of my trips in the last 15 years are in March or Oct. I don't like bug dope. I prefer snuggling into the warmth of a down sleeping bag vs laying on top wondering if I should have brought a battery operated fan.

I love the option of going wherever whenever. I think the amount of daylight in Oct is perfect, when you settle down in the tent, it's dark, and the robins aren't awaking you at 5:00 am.

October weather? Last Friday's 72 was a rarity. I'm glad I threw in a pair of shorts at the last minute. You are much more likely to see fluffy white stuff falling from the sky.

Fall BW fishing? That will test any fisherman out there. It's tough, but I can usually scrape out one dinners worth, and that's all I ever plan for.

The leaves seemed to hold on later this year, it's totally different from year to year at the same time of the year.

I'm a base camper, I stick to smaller water as a solo guy in the fall. And I don't go in all that far, hearing trucks on the Fernburg road doesn't bug me, neither does seeing the Ely airport lights at night.

Crowds? Some years are sparse. Others, like this year, you see your share of folks. I think when people can go whenever, nasty weather forecasts will keep them at home, myself included. I delayed last year's trip by a week, and after the previous years fishing in 16 degree wind chill and watching my eyelets freeze over, it was an awesome decision, I had great weather after an early October freeze...........and the Lake One access all to myself.

I've finally come to the acceptance of mice in the fall. Islands at some times can become overpopulated with them. They used to freak me out. Last week they were running over my woodland fairy boots (Stieger moccasins) and, for the first time, between the fly and the tent. I was good... surprisingly.

Fall time is gunshot time. You can hear the occasional grouse hunter, but I find it interesting to listen to the waterfowlers in the morning as I'm laying in my bag. Was big into it in my younger days so I can usually tell what's going on......."Oh, that's a follow up water shot."

I tend to only have campfires from dinner till bed, being solo and the only one in charge of collecting and cutting. I cut and split the big wood in camp that most folks pass on, so in a way, I clean up a lot of campsites. Nothing ticks me off more than walking into a campsite with green and punk wood stacked next to the grate.

Fall camping sucks, y'all should refrain from giving it a try. :)

Duff: "
Most issues why I camp in Oct have already been covered, so I'll just leave this pic here from a few days ago.



"

Beautiful!!!

mooseplums: "
I like fall trips for this....


And this."

Awesome !

outsidethebox: "

airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking.

Your trip sounds like it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm glad you got to experience that with your brother.

I used to fly fish, but haven't for quite some time.

I'm not on FB. But I'll do an internet search of your outfitter.

Thanks."

You certainly may ask. The nondisclosure is at the request of our guide. I will say that we fished this lake, mostly, per our request-so the general information is out there for the viewing public to discover and to be informed. At the same time Craig gladly took us up on our suggestion-stating that it was the best brook trout lake in the state...we cast a wary eye-we are now believers.

The You Tube clip my brother has entered does not show the fish real well but BWCA beauty and the spirit of the event is somewhat captured-you should be able to google it through You Tube with the information provided."

I have posted a couple pictures on the BWCA FB site.

outsidethebox: "

outsidethebox: "

airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking.


Your trip sounds like it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm glad you got to experience that with your brother.


I used to fly fish, but haven't for quite some time.


I'm not on FB. But I'll do an internet search of your outfitter.


Thanks."

You certainly may ask. The nondisclosure is at the request of our guide. I will say that we fished this lake, mostly, per our request-so the general information is out there for the viewing public to discover and to be informed. At the same time Craig gladly took us up on our suggestion-stating that it was the best brook trout lake in the state...we cast a wary eye-we are now believers.


The You Tube clip my brother has entered does not show the fish real well but BWCA beauty and the spirit of the event is somewhat captured-you should be able to google it through You Tube with the information provided."

I have posted a couple pictures on the BWCA FB site."

Looks like you had nice weather. Almost too good.

Oh, and nice fish!

airmorse: "

outsidethebox: "

outsidethebox: "

airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking.



Your trip sounds like it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm glad you got to experience that with your brother.



I used to fly fish, but haven't for quite some time.



I'm not on FB. But I'll do an internet search of your outfitter.



Thanks."

You certainly may ask. The nondisclosure is at the request of our guide. I will say that we fished this lake, mostly, per our request-so the general information is out there for the viewing public to discover and to be informed. At the same time Craig gladly took us up on our suggestion-stating that it was the best brook trout lake in the state...we cast a wary eye-we are now believers.



The You Tube clip my brother has entered does not show the fish real well but BWCA beauty and the spirit of the event is somewhat captured-you should be able to google it through You Tube with the information provided."

I have posted a couple pictures on the BWCA FB site."

Looks like you had nice weather. Almost too good.


Oh, and nice fish!"

Did you view my brother's video?

Duff: "Thanks for the pic accolades. As with pics, it's usually right place, right time.

I feel I should answer the original subby's question with a little more detail. 90% of my trips in the last 15 years are in March or Oct. I don't like bug dope. I prefer snuggling into the warmth of a down sleeping bag vs laying on top wondering if I should have brought a battery operated fan.

I love the option of going wherever whenever. I think the amount of daylight in Oct is perfect, when you settle down in the tent, it's dark, and the robins aren't awaking you at 5:00 am.

October weather? Last Friday's 72 was a rarity. I'm glad I threw in a pair of shorts at the last minute. You are much more likely to see fluffy white stuff falling from the sky.

Fall BW fishing? That will test any fisherman out there. It's tough, but I can usually scrape out one dinners worth, and that's all I ever plan for.

The leaves seemed to hold on later this year, it's totally different from year to year at the same time of the year.

I'm a base camper, I stick to smaller water as a solo guy in the fall. And I don't go in all that far, hearing trucks on the Fernburg road doesn't bug me, neither does seeing the Ely airport lights at night.

Crowds? Some years are sparse. Others, like this year, you see your share of folks. I think when people can go whenever, nasty weather forecasts will keep them at home, myself included. I delayed last year's trip by a week, and after the previous years fishing in 16 degree wind chill and watching my eyelets freeze over, it was an awesome decision, I had great weather after an early October freeze...........and the Lake One access all to myself.

I've finally come to the acceptance of mice in the fall. Islands at some times can become overpopulated with them. They used to freak me out. Last week they were running over my woodland fairy boots (Stieger moccasins) and, for the first time, between the fly and the tent. I was good... surprisingly.

Fall time is gunshot time. You can hear the occasional grouse hunter, but I find it interesting to listen to the waterfowlers in the morning as I'm laying in my bag. Was big into it in my younger days so I can usually tell what's going on......."Oh, that's a follow up water shot."

I tend to only have campfires from dinner till bed, being solo and the only one in charge of collecting and cutting. I cut and split the big wood in camp that most folks pass on, so in a way, I clean up a lot of campsites. Nothing ticks me off more than walking into a campsite with green and punk wood stacked next to the grate.

Fall camping sucks, y'all should refrain from giving it a try. :)

"

Yah, what he said....!

outsidethebox: "

airmorse: "

outsidethebox: "

outsidethebox: "

airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking.



Your trip sounds like it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm glad you got to experience that with your brother.



I used to fly fish, but haven't for quite some time.



I'm not on FB. But I'll do an internet search of your outfitter.



Thanks."

You certainly may ask. The nondisclosure is at the request of our guide. I will say that we fished this lake, mostly, per our request-so the general information is out there for the viewing public to discover and to be informed. At the same time Craig gladly took us up on our suggestion-stating that it was the best brook trout lake in the state...we cast a wary eye-we are now believers.



The You Tube clip my brother has entered does not show the fish real well but BWCA beauty and the spirit of the event is somewhat captured-you should be able to google it through You Tube with the information provided."

I have posted a couple pictures on the BWCA FB site."

Looks like you had nice weather. Almost too good.



Oh, and nice fish!"

Did you view my brother's video?"

I did. Three guys in one canoe catching some really small brook trout. :-)

airmorse: "

outsidethebox: "

airmorse: "

outsidethebox: "

outsidethebox: "

airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking.




Your trip sounds like it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm glad you got to experience that with your brother.




I used to fly fish, but haven't for quite some time.




I'm not on FB. But I'll do an internet search of your outfitter.




Thanks."

You certainly may ask. The nondisclosure is at the request of our guide. I will say that we fished this lake, mostly, per our request-so the general information is out there for the viewing public to discover and to be informed. At the same time Craig gladly took us up on our suggestion-stating that it was the best brook trout lake in the state...we cast a wary eye-we are now believers.




The You Tube clip my brother has entered does not show the fish real well but BWCA beauty and the spirit of the event is somewhat captured-you should be able to google it through You Tube with the information provided."

I have posted a couple pictures on the BWCA FB site."

Looks like you had nice weather. Almost too good.



Oh, and nice fish!"

Did you view my brother's video?"

I did. Three guys in one canoe catching some really small brook trout. :-)"

Ha! That was the first day we were there. The second time/day my brother wanted to fly fish from shore-so that is what he did, mostly, for several hours. The full clip of the last fish was pretty impressive as he really made my reel sing-stripping line on its runs. The weather was beautiful-one brief morning sprinkle.