I am looking at purchasing a Wenonah Wilderness solo. Does anyone have experience with this canoe? How is it for fishing, a dog, etc.?

I'm pretty sure that is what Matthew Posa paddles. If you don't know him, he's a YouTuber. He always trips with his dog Monty and brings a ton of gear. It doesn't look like he babies his boat either. I believe his Wilderness is the Tuff-Weave layup but not 100%. Check out his channel here.
Posa

I acquired a new-to-me Wilderness a few months ago and have had it out a few times. I am enjoying the increased maneuverability due some rocker which my previous solo did not have. My boat is T-Formex so I am looking forward to some down river paddling.

I had a Wilderness T -form lay up, very stable boat, handles a good load, easy to load packs in/out.I really liked the adjustable seat, I used a kayak paddle worked very well.

Wayouttroy: "I had a Wilderness T -form lay up, very stable boat, handles a good load, easy to load packs in/out.I really liked the adjustable seat, I used a kayak paddle worked very well. "

I have been a kayaker for years do you know how big of a difference it will be

I have had a Tuf-Weave Wilderness since 2012 and have never been disappointed. As many have said it is a very versatile boat that allows you to travel efficiently while carrying a good load for solo tripping. Very maneuverable yet handles well in wind and waves. I always affix a painter on bow and stern for control and tying the boat down.

I carry a full size gear pack behind the seat and a regular size food pack in front with a water-proof day pack between my feet. I canoe with the seat in the lower position and move it into the upper position for portaging. You will want a yoke of some sort for portaging - many threads out there on types and designs.

I am 5'9 and weigh 180, so I fit in it fine. Not sure how it would be for a really big person. Mine came with a foot brace installed that really improves comfort and paddling efficiency. Due to a gimpy back I also use an old light-weight Coleman back rest so I can lean back and relieve back fatigue.

After the first year I started using a kayak paddle for open water and a regular paddle for near shore and flowing water. Much easier travel and have never had problems with control. Works well.

gkimball: "
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Is this photo at the north campsite at the Kelso bay portage on Sawbill ?

I recognize the timbers embedded in the sand and the stump in the lower RH corner.

jhb8426: "

gkimball: "
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Is this photo at the north campsite at the Kelso bay portage on Sawbill ?

I recognize the timbers embedded in the sand and the stump in the lower RH corner."

Yes it is. Photo taken in 2015.

I have owned one for 8 years and highly recommend it. I wanted a boat good both for BWCA trips as well as paddling local rivers in Iowa and it has been a great choice for that. Great for fishing as well since is a very stable boat. Have never used with a dog but it should work fine. Long enough for flat water tripping and short enough for maneuvering on rivers. Have had in some fairly rough conditions and handles well - prefer using kayak paddle.

A few thoughts:
- Highly recommend the adjustable foot brace - really adds to comfort and stability in rougher water.
- Not a fan of the adjustable seat. I like the adjustment feature, but find the barrel adjuster to lock into place doesn’t work well. When turning canoe over for transport or portaging seat slides out of desired position and can be futsy to reposition.
- I originally bought the CVCA yoke that clamps onto the seat, recently sold that. Felt somewhat unstable or out of position due to the seat movement, also didn’t care for the sling style yoke pads - but may just be personal preference. Instead bought Northstar clamp on solo yoke with block pads. Much quicker on / off, more stable, and lighter. Northstar Yokes

It has been a great boat for my range of uses.

Thanks everybody I think I am going to purchase one now to just see who has them in stock!