BWCA Trip Report - Old School Insane Stuart River Boundary Waters Trip Reports
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pastorjsackett
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08/11/2012 09:25PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
New Trip Report posted by pastorjsackett

Trip Name: Old School Insane Stuart River.

Entry Point: 19

Click Here to View Trip Report
 
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PortageKeeper
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08/12/2012 12:39AM  
Great report! Have been in there about six times now and can say that it only gets a little easier, mainly because you know what to expect. Learned my lesson the hard way about the water. One hates to carry too much, but once you run out....
Portaged two packs non-stop coming out the last trip, but I'm sure not getting any younger.
08/12/2012 03:06AM  
pastor--

Glad you made it. Was thinking about your group on your entry day. Good to know the fishing is still good this time of year on Stu. Any smallies??? The first time (480) is the worst and the uphill out makes up for any gear/food you have burned through. Now you gotta try Iron in one day up the Stu :O)
onepaddleshort
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08/12/2012 04:18AM  
Glad to hear your trip was a (though difficult) success. My wife and I were also thinking about you folks and hoping things were going well. Would love to see some photos of what the water levels looked like if you have some.

"I've lost my taste for this" on the last portage. Yeah, I know how that feels...
pastorjsackett
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08/12/2012 06:22AM  
It was a blast but I am still wiped out.....and up to lead worship this morning. Can't stop thinking about it or planning for the next adventure. Water levels were good--a couple of spots on the river we were able to scoot through some tight rocks and the falls on Stuart were perfect for swimming. No smallies, and only a few northerns. Fishing did turn on and off a little. While you were rarely shut out (again, no bait) there were definitely times when it picked up. Fun for us was seeing our sons and daughters succeed. I will add some photos when I get them from Elyssa--she had the camera!
08/12/2012 08:12PM  
My friend always says: "Tuff it Out" and you guys/gals surely did this! Sometimes the reward's for the hard work and sweat, are not relized until you take in the whole big picture.
I was glad you all stuck it out and congratulations on a great trip!

SunCatcher
Nigel Eccleston
Guest Paddler
  
08/12/2012 10:11PM  
My four kids (24-37) are taking me on a trip next weekend, entering at Stuart River. I am glad to read in your trip report that water levels are good, and walleye fishing on Stuart is better! Wondering if the trip made it into your sermon. Thanks for taking the time to post!
SevenofNine
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08/13/2012 08:12AM  
Great trip report and thank you for sharing. Do you have any pictures of the trail and the island? Thanks again for sharing. Glad you had a good time and the fish cooperated.
pastorjsackett
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08/13/2012 08:57AM  
Nigel, I can hook you up with some info on the route, the water conditions and the fiahing spots we found. Gladly. Please let me know if you'd like to chat about it either here, via e mail or phone. PJS
pastorjsackett
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08/13/2012 08:59AM  
Sevenofnine, I'll get some pictures up soon.
08/13/2012 11:43AM  
I've never done this EP but often have thought about it. Sounds like it rivals the Angleworm portage. Your group is a testament to making fun out of adversity.

Thanks for putting this up. Looking forward to those pics.
pastorjsackett
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08/13/2012 11:57AM  
Onematch, with lighter equipment and a good attitude I would go back. It is a lovely, secluded lake. Fish did bite--even the small walters were hard fighters. We were relieved to do well with artificials once our bait was lost!
08/13/2012 04:24PM  
I enjoyed your report. I'm glad you enjoyed the rewards of your hard work ;). In a couple of years, you'll all be saying "it wasn't that bad" ;).

I'm saving Stuart and Angleworm for when I get younger, stronger, and in better shape. Or somebody matching that description goes with me.
pastorjsackett
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08/13/2012 04:41PM  
Boonie, I would recommend the Stu as long as you have lightweight gear. It was a dynamite lake. So peaceful. In low water years, it would be a real drag going up that river (literally--not sure how you'd get there) but for us it was pleasant paddling and hellish portages. The falls are great for swimming and showering and the fishing holds up. Really fun. I'm saying "It wasn't that bad" already!
pastorjsackett
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08/14/2012 05:53PM  
Once it is up online, you can see the sermon about this trip on www.celebrationlutheranchurch.com. It was fun to go, fun to share and I can't wait to go back to the bwca. Beyond obsessed.....I am hooked for life.
 
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