BWCA Stuart Lake expectations? Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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scotttimm
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06/01/2022 09:41AM  
Hey All,

We have a 6-day trip planned for our very experienced group (three adults, five kids) the end of June - have not been to Stuart before, and we love to explore new areas. We go in June 26 (Sunday). We plan to spend a few nights on Stuart before likely heading to the Tiger Bay area and then exiting through Moose River North. We've been to Tiger Bay/Boulder Bay/Agnes area before.

I assumed that the 460 rod portage, one permit per day EP would be discouraging for many - but I see that the EP is booked all summer long. We've had a lot of luck going in on Sundays in the last couple of years as people are usually packing out, but I'm just wondering - how busy does Stuart get? Should we be concerned about getting there early as possible to grab a site or is there usually something open? My guess was that Stuart was more of a pass through to Iron, and not a place people set up basecamp. What has been your experience? Anything we should keep in mind, be sure to see, etc.?
 
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06/01/2022 10:00AM  
I think it's a mix that stop and move on. Of those that stop, many move on after a day.
06/01/2022 03:13PM  
I've always been able to find a site on Stuart; I wouldn't worry.
Shane
Guest Paddler
  
06/01/2022 05:40PM  
I go to stuart every June and never had issue finding a site even though the permits are usually gone. This year I couldn't get a permit. I'd be interested to know the actual traffic through there.
pastorjsackett
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06/01/2022 09:00PM  
You'll find a site. But last time I was there it was packed due to the fact that it was Memorial Day weekend during Covid. By the time your trip comes, you'll be fine.

I love this entry. It's a total blast. Good luck.
PeaceFrog
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06/01/2022 09:15PM  
Heading in on 13th. I’ll try to give you a report when we are back.
Pastorjsackett what do you like so much about Stuart? First time I am going in there. Anything I should make sure I do not pass up?
pastorjsackett
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06/01/2022 11:00PM  
Lots of nostalgia. We started our yearly tradition with a trip up there. Love the challenging first portage. Beautiful lake. Small crowds. When the weather is warm we swim in the falls where you enter.

Day trip to Iron one day and we had great fishing there too. As advertised, there are lots of eater sized walleye in Stuart but none too big. My son caught a great northern by the first falls in 2020. In August of 2012 we hardly saw another canoe but in May of 2020 it was full of fisherman and we got the last spot on the lake.

Give me pretty river entry with beaver dams any day over big water and waves.

Let us know how it goes for you.

PeaceFrog
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06/03/2022 09:12AM  
pastorjsackett: "Lots of nostalgia. We started our yearly tradition with a trip up there. Love the challenging first portage. Beautiful lake. Small crowds. When the weather is warm we swim in the falls where you enter.


Day trip to Iron one day and we had great fishing there too. As advertised, there are lots of eater sized walleye in Stuart but none too big. My son caught a great northern by the first falls in 2020. In August of 2012 we hardly saw another canoe but in May of 2020 it was full of fisherman and we got the last spot on the lake.


Give me pretty river entry with beaver dams any day over big water and waves.


Let us know how it goes for you.


"


Sounds good and looking forward to my first Stuart entry. I couldn’t agree more; I enjoy river travel with damns and wildlife much more than whitecaps and head wind. We are planning to get to Iron and the falls and hopefully LLC.
Cheers
scotttimm
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06/09/2022 09:43AM  
PeaceFrog: "Heading in on 13th. I’ll try to give you a report when we are back.
Pastorjsackett what do you like so much about Stuart? First time I am going in there. Anything I should make sure I do not pass up?"


Would love a report when you get back! If not here feel free to email me at stimm@iastate.edu. We enter the 26th, can't wait!
Scott
scotttimm
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06/22/2022 03:49PM  
Hey PeaceFrog - how'd the trip go? We go in on Sunday...can't wait.
pastorjsackett
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06/23/2022 07:02AM  
Let's hear some fun stories about Stuart!
THEGrandRapids
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06/23/2022 09:38AM  
A lifetime of walleye fishing and the biggest walleye EVER in my boat came from "eater-size" Stuart.
06/23/2022 10:43AM  
Stuart is on my bucket list to hit one day!! Hopefully soon!!
PeaceFrog
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06/23/2022 06:12PM  
Hey all. We just got back Tuesday night. I plan to put together a full trip report but it may have to wait until after the weekend. (It will be my first trip report I hope I don’t screw it up). Heading to Mohican State Park Area for our annual Guys Weekend with the men of the family.
In short we had a good trip, good walleye, varied weather, 2 days of hungry blood suckers, and I packed too damn much. The big first portage was a challenge on day one and totally sucked on the way out. Not gonna sugar coat it. Lol

Stay tuned for a trip report and pics

Cheers!
PF

Scott I hope you got my email
pastorjsackett
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06/23/2022 10:55PM  
Great!


There's no way to sugarcoat that last portage. Looking forward to hearing about it.
 
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