Hey All,

So I am looking at a Trout Lake EP as I didn't think I could get in this spring, only to find out that it really is not a choice thing, or can't go because of work thing... I have to go, or remaining sane is questionable. So I am left with a Trout Lake entry looking this late for an EP. Sorry for the long story.

My question is, has anyone gone in via Trout Lake, into Pine Lake and used the Pine River out of Pine Lake to connect to the upper Pine River and portage that goes into Chad, as opposed to paddling up Trout to the upper Pine River?

Just wondering

Yes. Both options are doable.

I went in the Trout Lake entry point last year. Once you get past the issue of having to cross a big chunk of Lake Vermilion just to get to the EP (I got a tow from the guy who runs the mechanical portage between Vermilion and Trout), I thought it was a great trip. I paddled all the way up Trout to Pine Creek, and that was fine, but I could see how it would be nice to break up the long paddle up Trout by going via Pine Lake.

Thanks, can I ask when was the last time you went from Pine Lake to Chad via that section of the Pine River? Any beaver dams? Just looking to get as much information as I can.

Expect some beaver dams, but it is nothing too rough. My trip report below has some info on our travels along Pine Creek for a day trip.

Trip report