Hello,

This will be my second trip and first with family. Went up to Robinson and Sarah Lakes last July via a Back Bay tow then up Basswood River - Moose Bay - Tuck River- and had a blast.

This year two adults, 11 and 14 yr old kids. Have a Northwind 20 rented for the four of us. We have 6 days/5 nights starting July 8th. Our main goals will be nice swimming areas at campsite and good fishing. Hoping for 1-1/2 days in, find a nice camp for two nights, and back.

First Idea
Lake 1-2-3-4 into Hudson, then camp on Insula. Getting to Insula in a day would be optimistic, I think, so maybe Hudson first night. Back out the same way.

Second Idea
Lake 1-2-3-4 and then either North Hudson or Fire Lake as the destination. This would be the easy mode route, skipping Insula.

Third Idea
Head West from the put in on the Kawashiwi and try to get to Clear Lake.

Any of these sound particularly more awesome than the others? I am anticipating an island in north Insula will be recommended for swimming/fishing, but thought I'd seek advice.

Thanks

I would recommend the first option and get to Alice. There are multiple excellent sites including beach sites on the eastern shore. The further south ones are close to the rapids where we have done well with walleyes. Also NP and SMB in the area. Hudson would be a reasonable goal on day one although Insula is certainly doable. In times of medium to high water there is a short cut through Insula and is marked on many maps.

I've done all of these options before and I like the first two options over the last option. All are great areas to visit, so you can't go wrong.

Option 1- going from Lake one to Insula, you'll be passing through the burn area. On that route Hudson Lake is the only lake that burned 360 degrees around the whole lake, so campsites are a bit lacking in mature trees to hang stuff. There's campsites open, but not much sun protection. But if you get an early start and aren't paddling into a head wind all day, I think you could make it all the way to Insula the first day. We usually make it to Insula in about 6 hours. There are many excellent sites towards the north end of Insula, although the beach sites don't have the best fishing from the site.

Option 2- You can make it to Fire lake the first day. There's only 2 campsites that I know of on Fire, both would be big enough for a group of 4. We stayed at the site towards the east end of the lake on the north side, but we would of stayed at the other site more towards the center of the lake on the north side. Our map was marked incorrectly and we didn't see the second site until our paddle out.

Option 3- We did the Kawishiwi triangle many years ago. We stayed at Conchu lake, Clear lake and somewhere along the river. Campsites and scenery were nice, but I have preferred heading towards Insula more.

Option 1. if you get an early start, are efficient at portaging and paddling, Insula is reachable on the first day. There are a few campsites with sand beaches (sand get into your tent) but I prefer the one near the end of the bay that is half way up the lake(site 1339). The lake bottom there is mostly rocky but there is a sand beach half a mile away at the end of the bay. Fish your way there, fish your way back. It's a good area to catch walleye for your dinner and occasionally you might catch a big northern pike. I have been in the canoe twice when a 20 pound northern was caught and landed. If you are tired, stop in Hudson. It is not ideal but there are campsites available until late in the day normally. Not all of Hudson was burned. The north arm has 3 campsites that were not burned. If you make it to Insula the first day, Alice is within easy reach. Another great lake for walleyes and big northerns.

Option 3. Head southwest from the landing but instead of going west toward
Conchu or Clear lake, continue southwest. You will eventually come to a wider spot in the river where there are some weedbeds. Those seem to attract fish. I like site 1135, nice tent sites and close to good fishing. If you paddle good together and don't get lost, you can be at the site I mentioned in about 4-4 1/2 hours. My wife and I usually plan 3 1/2 hours but we paddle and portage faster than most.