I wish I had the patience you all do for note keeping and trip reports so here is a summary. Glad to answer any questions is we can be of help.

This was our second trip to the park and we had a great and challenging adventure.

Harlan once again outdid himself. Our equipment, food and arrangements were great! I think most of you know that there was a devastating storm last October and the number of trees down was amazing. Without Harlan and his crews spending days in the park, no trips would be possible this year and for years to come. You have to see the number of downed trees to appreciate it. Unfortunately, the fire hazard is way too obvious.

Our route:

Flew into Carroll and worked north to Wanda and then down to Royd, Gammon, Rostoul, Hansen, Glenn, Mexican Hat, Lunch, Bunny and Leano. Our late fifty something bodies struggled with the first days as the water in the river was low and we dragged the canoe quite a bit (I can identify at least four WCPP park leech species). The longer portages were clear, just a bit longer than we are used to. We double portage and on the 900 meter portages split that up as well. The two portages out of Gammon made for a tough day for us as well. After that, other than a stiff breeze at our back, we were fine.

Fishing summary:

We caught fish whenever we fished and of course some lakes were better. I wish we had more time in Wanda and the falls at Mexican Hat was a blast. My brother, a non-fisher for many years, is really coming into his own, took a fish off his hook for the first time and caught a few great walleyes. I knew I was in trouble when he began giving advice on where the likely walleye structure was. Lures of choice for walleye were shadrap (firetiger color) and white 3 inch twister tail on either a 1/8 or 3/16 ounce jig head. Interestingly, the best pike lure was the twister tail worked as a swimming lure, try it, you won’t believe how effective it is. We trolled a bit for lake trout but honestly, I don’t really get those fish. I think we ate fish four times, fried and curried.

Food

We tried something a bit different this year. We get food fatigue with the prepared food and Harlan delivered us some of his personally dried chicken, beef, mushrooms, onions and olives. We brought spices and a few fresh ingredients and never had to use the prepared meals. I did not have my usual cravings at the end of the trip and that was nice. Thanks again, Harlan.

Rained on us a few times at night, one two minute shower during a late afternoon but never wore my raincoat.

Saw a few people on the lakes where there are cabins. No canoeists until the last night. Saw two moose, numerous eagles, beaver and other assorted creatures. On our first trip we did see a caribou but not this year.

Overall, a great trip thanks to some really hard work from Harlan, our preparation and lessons learned and blessings from the fish and weather Gods. Next year, I think we move to the Bloodvein.

Only 51 weeks until we return, take care all and thanks for all the posts and advice,

Larry

Larry -

Nice summary. Glad you had a great time. (The falls at Mex Hat is quite possibly the 2nd best place on the lake to catch walleye. But there is another spot where I caught them at a rate of over 30 per hour.)

I spent 2 weeks fishing the western end of the Bloodvein in the park on this year's trip, so if you need any insight on that section (Larus Falls into the Bloodvein River to Artery Lake), give me a shout. While there are no lakers in that section of the river (too shallow, I suspect), you will find a few smallies. I used a 5 inch white twister tail/white jig head almost exclusively during my trip and it caught all available species (I mostly cast and retrieve over structure or along shore line). From my experience this year (coupled with others I met while there), I believe this you can satisfy any need you have to catch large pike. I boated at least a half-dozen beyond 36 inches and two beyond 40. Of course, there are abundant walleye along the river also.

dd

Sounds like you did well and had a great trip, I will definitely contact you later as we begin our planning for next year, appreciate it.
Larry

Your trips sounds as successful as mine. Fishing was fantastic. We caught pike and walleyes on everything we put out to them. In fact one walleye hit my largest lure, and the walleye wasn't that big. One thing I found interesting was, most or all of the fish stomachs were empty when we cleaned them. Lots of bait fish and leeches along the shore. No wonder they are hitting so hard.

Greg

I'd say the walleye fishing was outstanding at times. On more than one occasion I dropped my lure over the side of the canoe as I unhooked it from a walleye. Before I could drop the caught walleye over the other side and do a quick rinse of my fingers, I had another walleye on the line. Of course, there were several times when I had a walleye on, only to loose it, but then another would hit the lure before it had moved a foot.

dd

Glad you had a great trip! There is just something about WCPP! Lucky I guess :)