I'm looking for some route suggestions for a winter camping trip near Ely, MN area. There will be 3 or 4 of us and we will be using a lightweight hot tent and titanium stove. We will each have a pulk for our gear, snow shoes and cross country skis. Any suggestions on entry points where we can put on a few miles and set up camp and then move to another spot the next day? We'd rather not be in the "heart" of major snowmobile trails. We're looking for an adventure and will also be doing some ice fishing. The dates for our trip are: Feb. 28th- March 3rd. Thanks for the help and suggestions!

Darin

The great thing about winter camping is it is so easy to get to an isolated spot. Go in one or two lakes and you will, 95% of the time, have the entire lake to yourself.

I like doing the Little Indian Sioux River and setting up somewhere near Loon Lake, Lower Pauness Lake, Upper Pauness Lake, etc. Take a day trip to the Devils Cascade. The route is sheltered from wind (for the most part) and beautiful.

I also like snowbank to disappointment (follow the dog sled trail). Keep going or set up on disappointment. Some good walleye can be caught on disappointment. Plus its fun to see the sled dogs pass by camp.

You can go further but I always give the following warning: It can be easier to travel 10 miles in ideal conditions (i.e. following a previous sledders trail that has created an ice highway) than .75 miles in slush or deep snow.

I have gone in on ideal conditions and covered many miles, only to have a blizzard come in with a few feet of snow (or slush on lakes). It can result in taking MULTIPLE TRIPS to get your gear out and it can take the fun out of trying to get home.

quote George: " "

preface...i AM NOT trying to start something. im just curious, why would someone bring a handgun on a winter trip?

just a simple question, nothing more.

I would have suggested Wood Lake for northerns/walleyes but your dates will limit your fishing options to panfish or trout. Not quite sure about trout on the Ely side.

Thanks for the suggestions George. Any worry about open water because of it being a river?

Thanks Tigers.

Good eye Canoes.
If you change the subject line this thread will go Bang!
We have many a heated car rides over this very question.
Always fun to debate as long as gun slinger isn't armed at the moment :)

quote dbjerknes: "Any worry about open water because of it being a river?"

You don't have to worry about open water. It's ALMOST open water that's scary.

quote Arceneaux: "

quote kanoes: "

quote George: " "

preface...i AM NOT trying to start something. im just curious, why would someone bring a handgun on a winter trip?



just a simple question, nothing more."

Why not? would be my question..."

on that note....do you comment on camping photos here and say "why arent you carrying a handgun?"

quote George: "The great thing about winter camping is it is so easy to get to an isolated spot. Go in one or two lakes and you will, 95% of the time, have the entire lake to yourself.


I like doing the Little Indian Sioux River and setting up somewhere near Loon Lake, Lower Pauness Lake, Upper Pauness Lake, etc. Take a day trip to the Devils Cascade. The route is sheltered from wind (for the most part) and beautiful.


I also like snowbank to disappointment (follow the dog sled trail). Keep going or set up on disappointment. Some good walleye can be caught on disappointment. Plus its fun to see the sled dogs pass by camp.


You can go further but I always give the following warning: It can be easier to travel 10 miles in ideal conditions (i.e. following a previous sledders trail that has created an ice highway) than .75 miles in slush or deep snow.


I have gone in on ideal conditions and covered many miles, only to have a blizzard come in with a few feet of snow (or slush on lakes). It can result in taking MULTIPLE TRIPS to get your gear out and it can take the fun out of trying to get home.



"

I also wonder?
Little Indian Souix river is that possible in the winter? Ice conditions etc. ?

No idea. It was his first trip though and he is an avid hunter with an extensive gun collection and a conceal carry permit. Most people with a CCP carry ALL the time or not at all. I am part of the never carry but am happy there are those that do carry and do so all the time.

Yes little Indian souix is a river but many winter campers have hiked it with no problems. . The trip from the photo was a couple years ago and it did get crazy warm. Lots of open water on our way out and I diid put one leg in the drink while crossing a beaver dam (which is expected).

That being said it has been more than cold enough) and if you hug the shoreline AND use common sense u will be totally fine.

quote Arceneaux: "

quote kanoes: "

quote Arceneaux: "

quote kanoes: "

quote George: " "

preface...i AM NOT trying to start something. im just curious, why would someone bring a handgun on a winter trip?




just a simple question, nothing more."

Why not? would be my question..."

on that note....do you comment on camping photos here and say "why arent you carrying a handgun?""

No, but your curiosity about the subject makes me just as curious..."

ill take a guess...he didnt want to leave it in the car.

We're thinking of starting out at Mudro Lake (23) Entry Point and setting up camp around Fourtown Lake on the first day. Does anyone know if you can take the stream/bog north of Fourtown Lake up to Moosecamp lake and then over to Gun Lake , Fairy Lake, Boat Lake to create a loop? If so, we would move camp on the 2nd day to one of those lakes.

Thanks!

Darin

I've always wanted to head up the Stuart River to Stuart or even Iron (stay away from major current areas on Iron) in the winter. Once on Iron--I know SMB are open year round and maybe the same with Slimers. Certainly Crappies and I know of one area on Iron that would be a blast to target them in the winter..