I have a Quetico trip I planned before the pandemic in mind. If the border opens I might be able to do it in late August and September. However, the current fire and drought conditions in Quetico are making me think about the feasibility of the route and also considering other routes.

Plan A. This route takes me through Bentpine Creek to the west end Sturgeon Lake and then up Jean Creek to Rouge and Burntside Lakes. There are two things that I am concerned about. This takes me close to the area that is closed because of fire danger. The last time I checked that area went to the southern shore of Sturgeon. The second concern is this is a drought year and I don't know the water levels in the creeks. Has anyone been through that area recently? Is there enough water in the creeks to paddle them now? I think Bentpine Creek will probably be okay, but Jean Creek might be a problem. Any information on normal and current water conditions would be helpful.

Given these concerns, I am thinking about a backup plan that stays further north and on larger bodies of water. So, ...

Plan B. The second plan seems interesting but I found it hard to eliminate all travel in creeks. The part of plan B that concerns me is McAlpine Creek. This would be from the north arm of Quetico Lake to Kasakokwog Lake and then again from Kasakokwog Lake to McAlpine Lake. Again, any information on normal and current water conditions would be helpful.

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help!

Larry

I will likely be descending into Sturgeon a week from Monday or Tuesday through Jean Creek. I can let you know when I return in early August.

Argo: "I will likely be descending into Sturgeon a week from Monday or Tuesday through Jean Creek. I can let you know when I return in early August.


"

Thanks, I’d appreciate that a lot! Have a great trip.

LarryS48: "

Argo: "I will likely be descending into Sturgeon a week from Monday or Tuesday through Jean Creek. I can let you know when I return in early August.



"

Thanks, I’d appreciate that a lot! Have a great trip. "

Pretty low water in Jean Creek. The lower portion required a lot of pulling over beaver dams and shallow reedy water. It is passable and was a tough delightful slog.

Argo: "

LarryS48: "

Argo: "I will likely be descending into Sturgeon a week from Monday or Tuesday through Jean Creek. I can let you know when I return in early August.




"

Thanks, I’d appreciate that a lot! Have a great trip. "

Pretty low water in Jean Creek. The lower portion required a lot of pulling over beaver dams and shallow reedy water. It is passable and was a tough delightful slog. "

Thanks! It sounds very doable. What I was hoping to avoid was having to get out of the canoe and having to walk through or along side of long stretches of the creek that were too shallow to paddle in or push through. Thanks again.