Hey All,

So I am looking to do my first solo trip. I am 60 yrs old and have been going on canoe trips since I was 12 yrs old. I have been on a few, however never solo. Looking at mid-September, 5 days - 4 nights.

First question for anyone who has done a solo trip, did you encounter anything you did not expect?

Second question, the BIg ASK - if my main reason to go on this trip (other than enjoying being on the BWCA) is to catch walleye where would you go?

That is it.

Thanks and I appreciate any info or help.

You probably already know this... but there is a solo tripping forum with a bunch of helpful information too.

Sounds like you've done plenty of trips, so there shouldn't be any huge surprises beyond the obvious. Which I think the biggest challenge(s) will be how you handle yourself without any company to socialize with or help with various chores etc. But, only you can answer to what your experience with what that dynamic may be. Just be prepared to allot more time for doing EACH thing because no one else will be taking care of another chore while you're doing whatever you're doing.

The big border lakes would be my go-to for the best walleye fishing but, being it's your 1st solo you might want to avoid big water. Heading up the Moose River and hanging out around the Boulder River would provide some less daunting waters and then you could head to Iron or LLC if conditions permit.

I find fishing from the canoe to be a little more difficult on solo trips, such as trolling, landing fish, and fishing in chop.

I'd suggest the Kawishiwi Lake entry point up to the River Lake area.

YaMarVa: "I find fishing from the canoe to be a little more difficult on solo trips, such as trolling, landing fish, and fishing in chop.

I'd suggest the Kawishiwi Lake entry point up to the River Lake area. "

+1

Lake Polly, Malberg Lake, River Lake, Amber Lake all could provide the fishing you are looking for. Don't overlook Koma Lake either.

I think this may be one of those "the devil's in the details" things for you.

You'll carry everything and do everything. Most of us who solo a lot have simplified much of that - food, gear, etc. I have a simple menu, solo stove/pot, simple food. A solo tent, small gravity filter system (2-liter), etc. I do take a tarp - it can be more difficult solo in the wind - so I have it pre-rigged in a ridgeline stuff sack, which helps a lot. There are lots of things I don't carry either.

You might want to check the weight of your gear loads . . .

The couple of times I fished solo I found the same as mentioned. Since I wasn't there mainly to fish I stopped doing that, but fishing is why you are going . . .

Somewhat related to that - will you be paddling a solo canoe?

Some portages landings are more awkward/difficult without someone to help.

What I did not expect: My canoe tripping partner and I have a pretty efficient division of labor, and my half is NOT kitchen detail/food planning & prep. On my solo trip, I found that I really was disinclined to want to cook much. Not that I brought along complicated meals, but I could have made things even simpler/quicker for myself. Hence my suggestion: carefully consider what you DON'T usually do related to trip planning/execution, and then how you'll manage that.

Paul,

Thanks for the reply and advice, it is appreciated.

I did not know of the solo trip board, so thanks for the tip.

YaMaVar,

Thanks for the note. I was looking at that EP and area. Good to know it has some validity.

Boonie,

Thanks for the note and advice.

Chessie,

Thanks for the note and advice, I appreciate it

Mid Sep will see decreasing daylight & less travel time available as a result. That time can also see lower temps & more cooler rainy days (just going from experience past few years). Traveling solo, be sure to allot more time to assembling & packing up camp. In a solo canoe, trimming the load can be important, especially if there is wind. Personally, I like to go for simple ‘add boiling water’ meals which can be eaten from the bag & no-cook meals to simply meal preparation as well as dishes to free up time for things I find more enjoyable. I’d suggest bringing some extra hot liquid beverages to make on cooler days (perhaps a thermos to take hot beverages out on the water fishing?). A wool cap & socks for at night in case it is cold. A weather radio can be useful for weather information though your trip is shorter & you’ll likely have a good idea of what is coming your way before going in. Weather radio usually will also pick up FM, which can be nice if the silence around camp gets to be deafening.

Have fun!

Like you, I had a lot of canoe trip experience, but didn't solo until late in life. My biggest surprise was that I had zero desire to cook the types of meals I cook for my family trips. So now I just do "add boiling water" type meals and only carry a small stove, 750mL pot, a 16 oz. soaking jar, and a spoon. I love keeping gear very minimal and simple on solo trips.

I found that I enjoy the solitude and the move at any pace I wish aspect of a solo. But I have met some solo paddlers who couldn't stand the solitude. Don't know if it was coincidence, but they've always been younger (20-30 yo) so maybe those of us who have led busy family filled lives are more appreciative of the peacefulness of a solo.

You will discover what you like to do on your solos (I write and take photographs as well as read and identify flora/fauna).

Don't bring too much stuff. It gets annoying to have too much stuff when you are the only one available to pack, set up, and tear down.

I would suggest an extra paddle. I have dropped mine in the drink many times. With a partner you would have a partner paddler to help retrieve. Solo, you might have to jump in to retrieve. I did this "ONCE" and have since had an extra paddle.

I have also had broken paddles and have needed the spare.

The only piece of advice I'd throw in to add to all the other excellent tips is safety. Safety becomes exponentially more important when you're on your own.

Here are a few simple things I find important solo.
Making sure your boat is tied up before you even let go of it/rope at a landing
Wearing a life vest
Hatchet / axe (almost never bring solo)
Communication. Have a plan. Leave it with someone with a "call the ranger if you don't hear from me by XX date".
I always keep my Garmin Inreach mini on me. Not with me, on me. Every pass of every portage, etc...

Iam a little different in that I cook more than most on solo trips. I don't make crazy big meals but do things like fry bread or bannock ( honey and butter!! ), tacos (dhy the seasoned ground beef) One potato for baked potato with a small container of sour cream paired with first night steak. I portion out the fresh stuff for the tacos, hamburgers, steak etc and ziplock it up.
The fresh stuff adds about a pound or so which is not a deal breaker and cooking gives me something to look forward to after setting up camp. Did I leave out fish tacos, baked fish, cedar planked fish, fried fish. Instant oatmeal is filling and nutritious BUT pancakes with fresh blueberries Oh My!
I have not done so but have thought about video recording my trips so when I see that gorgeous sunset or perfect sunrise I can share it when I get home.

I do like head2north and Ace. I take a double blade and single blade for different uses and as a spare. I don't take a hatchet or axe, but I rarely make a fire; my experience is that one-handed first aid can be pretty awkward. I also do the other things mentioned.

I can't answer the fishing question. But to your other:

On my first few solos I had a little bit of a hard time on the first day not having company. I'd arrive in camp and had a feeling that I wished someone were with me. That's always gone away after the first day, and I don't think I've had that feeling on my last few. But not something I expected.

Ditto to the other advice about bringing an extra paddle (just lash one to the canoe with a BDB and don't think about it again), always wearing your PDF and always having a communication device on me.

Thanks Merlyn! I'm glad I'm not the only one who "cooks" solo, albeit only for dinners. Usually a combination of grocery store instant, home dehydrated vegetables and meat, with an occasional freeze dried product. I've taken to dry cereal and Nido for breakfast, which along with doctor banning caffeine makes a no stove morning pretty easy. Cheese, crackers, simmer sausage, dried fruit, and sweets are lunch and supplements at other times.

On the main question, not bothered by being alone. Quickly lay out camp site, get tent up and tarp if rain seems likely, cloths line, and then get out of wet foot shoes and socks. Early to bed and early to rise. Change my route plans on a whim and don't have to consult with anyone else. Seems ideal.

billconner: "Thanks Merlyn! I'm glad I'm not the only one who "cooks" solo, albeit only for dinners. Usually a combination of grocery store instant, home dehydrated vegetables and meat, with an occasional freeze dried product. I've taken to dry cereal and Nido for breakfast, which along with doctor banning caffeine makes a no stove morning pretty easy. Cheese, crackers, simmer sausage, dried fruit, and sweets are lunch and supplements at other times.


On the main question, not bothered by being alone. Quickly lay out camp site, get tent up and tarp if rain seems likely, cloths line, and then get out of wet foot shoes and socks. Early to bed and early to rise. Change my route plans on a whim and don't have to consult with anyone else. Seems ideal."

I had some simmer sausage a few days back. Monday as I recall. We call it bratwurst.

Thanks so much for the note back, it is appreciated.

Thanks for the reply it is appreciated.

Thanks for the note back, I am looking at that route.

Thanks for the note back. Appreciate it.

Thanks for the note, it is appreciated.

Funny that is the one thing that I thought of going wrong or happening.

Thanks for the note.

I did a couple short solo backpacking trips in my early 30's, but didn't truly enjoy tripping solo at that point. Now approaching 50, I really enjoy solo backcountry tripping.

I find I don't tend to have a very strong appetite while solo. Don't know why, but I almost have to force myself to sit down and eat more than a light snack. I change up what I pack for food with this in mind.

A good book is a must for me. I learned the hard way to make sure it's long enough for the duration of the trip. On my first solo canoe trip I was wind bound for a day and a half and pretty much finished the book I had brought and ended up reading it twice on the trip.

As others have said, really focus on safety related issues. Any injury or illness is going to be much more challenging to deal with solo. I make sure to have a mini ditch kit and Garmin In-Reach in the pocket of my PFD, always wear my PFD, take a good first aid kit, have a backup paddle, and always tie up the canoe anytime my butt isn't in the seat. I also refrain from using a hatchet or axe while solo and use only barbless hooks (which are awesome in my opinion).

I agree, I don’t eat much on a solo, and a good book is essential along with the local newspapers you get in town. Amazing how you can scour thru every page to pass the time, then it’s a great fire starter.
I’ll be honest, on my solos I never did any of the safety things you do. I rarely wore a life jacket, unless it was a long windy lake crossing, never had any gps, pdf whatever all that is. I have maps & a compass. My first aid kit was like 5 bandaids and a roll of duct tape. Definitely tie the canoe up every time out of it tho. Haven’t done a solo in a while, I don’t know how I survived.