I was in WCPP in 2013, Leano - Mex Hat, fantastic trip. I'm in the begining stages of planning a trip for this summer and am looking for suggestions on routes.

Planning to be up there a week or so. We are mostly base campers interested in fishing.

Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated... Thanks!

Since you were on Mexican Hat, that suggests that you are interested in Walleye fishing, but with the possibility of hooking up with some lakers. Would that factor into your plans? Entry and exit at the same EP? Are you looking to paddle in and out or are you open to other means of entry exit (e.g., flying).

dd

Good questions dd. Yes, walleyes for sure, lakers a plus. I'm sure we'll arrange for transportation with Harlan, so we could go in and out different entry points. I don't think flying is an option... thanks

With a week to work with, you might look at going in the same way (Leano) with a run up to Mex. Hat. using a shuttle from Harlan. From Mex. Hat., exit to the north to Glenn and run thru Telescope, Optic, etc. back to Onnie (where you might drop your vehicle on the way in). That would give you a loop-like trip. (Waters west and south of Mex. Hat. would have lakers, but limited walleye opportunities).

I did something similar (although I added a side trip up to Hansen) on a 10-day solo trip in 2010 and you pretty much stay on Walleye water on your exit route from Glenn to Onnie (with some Blue Walleye opportunities as you get closer to the take out point). There are a couple of fishing cabins on Telescope and Optic, but they are not always occupied.

Since you are in western MN, you might also want to consider a western EP, like Beresford, Manitoba (Garner Lake, EP). There are several picky little portages (similar to the Leano to Mex Hat run), but you could get some walleye/laker fishing in on Haggart and/or Bulging Lakes. (I did this route in 2011, if you'd like more info.)

dd

Thanks dd, appreciate your thoughts. We had great fishing in Glenn. I like the idea of going that way. I haven't considered a western entry...I'll look into that. I've enjoyed your posts, very informative and entertaining...

I believe that with a western entry you can drive right to Wallace Lake and park in the parking lot. The parking has a fee, but not camping as I understand it. Some folks on the board have done this route.

quote jcavenagh: "I believe that with a western entry you can drive right to Wallace Lake and park in the parking lot. The parking has a fee, but not camping as I understand it. Some folks on the board have done this route."

That is correct. You can drive to Wallace Lake and from there navigate some river and Siderock Lake before you enter WCPP at Crystal Lake. Much of the route is river travel with some portages. This approach can be iffy if the water level is low, so you'd best check before you make a western entry run up the Wanipigow River. The Wallace Lake EP is further north and has more paved road surface.

The Garner Lake EP (actual put in is at Beresford Lake, MB) is further south, but you'll traverse about 70 km of "dirt" road to reach it. Like Wallace, the area around Beresford is developed, with cabins, etc. and motor traffic. The run up the Garner River to Garner Lake is an easy meander up stream. The channel is wide/deep enough that motor traffic is possible to Garner Lake. Almost all of Garner Lake is in Manitoba, but the extreme eastern edge is in WCPP park (and in Ontario). There are no fees to camp in MB, but you must use a designated campsite (including a fire ring). Once you enter WCPP, you can camp anywhere you like (although the park staff prefer you to use an existing campsite). Of course, you should have a permit to enter/camp in WCPP. Leaving Garner Lake, you make a portage back into the river, which is now substantially reduced from the river section between Beresford to Garner. Like the Wanipigow River, the Garner River can have low water issues so again, you'd need to check, pre-trip, to insure an adequate flow. (On the Garner River, I was fine going in, but exiting 2 weeks later I scraped bottom a few times.) There are a couple of smaller lakes along this route before you enter Haggart Lake, which is a substantial body of water. BTW: There is an excellent white-sand beach on the Ontario end of Garner Lake, just south of the portage up the river. It tends to be well used, but there is a large, comfortable campsite there also.

Since there are no park facilities on the western side, you will need to get your park permit before you leave home. You can do this (unless they have changed their practice) via e-mail to the park staff in Red Lake.

dd

The Western access points are a different option for accessing WCPP. You pick up the Manitoba Parks parking pass where licenses are sold. It is good for one year. Garner and Wallace lakes accesses are a great way to get into some lesser used areas of WCPP. A major trade-off for fisherman is the scarcity of Walleye waters in the SW portion of the park. If Lake Trout and Northern Pike satisfy your fishing agenda then Haggart Lake would make a good spot to do some base camping. Most groups would probably arrive on Haggart Lake sometime during day two of a canoe trip from either access. Daytripping around Haggart Lake and down the Haggart River to the north should keep you satisfied. Once you get to Haggart Lake there are many loop options if you have the time. You mentioned a "week or so" for your trip length. A one week trip in WCPP really cramps the schedule and your possible enjoyment. Ten to fourteen days opens so many additional and fascinating opportunities.

If you choose to return to Glenn Lake you can still enjoy new country in your choice of entry, exit and routes. Using Onnie Creek from the north and Embryo Lake to Hatchet as part of a route would be my choice. Harlan's boat shuttle across Red Lake would be a nice way to come and go.

Thanks for the ideas guys. Fun to think about this time of year...

I agree with Marten. I kinda wonder what going Lund to Douglas via Indian House would be like for a week trip. Using Harlan's shuttle service.

quote nctry: "I agree with Marten. I kinda wonder what going Lund to Douglas via Indian House would be like for a week trip. Using Harlan's shuttle service."

Ben, I would fully recommend the Lund to Douglas route as a great week long trip. Some could blast through the route in three days. I only mention that to make the point that the route would be an enjoyable one week trip for almost all groups.

The two long and nasty portages near Lund have now been rerouted so they are just long and dry. The two especially nasty portages north of Crystal on the way to Indian House have also been rerouted. The 225 portage exiting Crystal toward Indian House is the only one that you will not find if using the new park map. This 225 has been moved about 310 meters to the north. NAD27 UTM15U 400533 5654760 and 400618 5654722 should put you close enough to spot it.

This option looks interesting (I'm pretty sure I's staying on the east side). Are there walleyes in this area? Thanks!

quote Bdubguy: "This option looks interesting (I'm pretty sure I's staying on the east side). Are there walleyes in this area? Thanks!"

The info in this link fish species in WCPP lakes shows Walleye at each end. It shows Walleye in Hatchet but I would plan on big pike and trout there.

That would be my thinking. Three good days travel and three days of fishing, exploring and side trips. Topped off with Harlan's water shuttle. I am going deeper in the park. But I may check those lakes out on my way out. The route from Indian House to Douglas is awesome to me.

Lots of longer portages on this route as I'm looking at the map closer. My 74 year old dad is planning to come. He's in pretty good shape, but I don't want to kill him either. Is this route doable for him?

Marten, thanks for the link to the fish sheet. I've looked at that last trip, forgot about it...

quote Bdubguy: "Lots of longer portages on this route as I'm looking at the map closer. My 74 year old dad is planning to come. He's in pretty good shape, but I don't want to kill him either. Is this route doable for him?
"

The park crews have taken all of the "ugly" out of this route in the last few years. All of the portages are on firm ground with only a few spots where it could make for trickier footing. One spot is where the trail crosses a small stream. The two long portages west of Lund Lake should be no problem. My choice of lakes to linger on would be Indian House and Hatchet. When you leave Indian House heading toward a Douglas exit you paddle on a broad steam with no current for a long ways. Moose are usually seen here if you go through in the early morning and stay quiet.

I can't speak for the Lund to Indian House section. But Indian House to Douglas isn't too bad. There is one portage that's been a little tricky. But it barely has slowed us down. Not sure if this is one that got rerouted. Distances? Divide the meters shown by five and you'll be close to how many rods they are. Just take your time and have fun.

Thanks again guys, I appreciate your insites...

quote Marten: "

quote nctry: "I agree with Marten. I kinda wonder what going Lund to Douglas via Indian House would be like for a week trip. Using Harlan's shuttle service."

Ben, I would fully recommend the Lund to Douglas route as a great week long trip. Some could blast through the route in three days. I only mention that to make the point that the route would be an enjoyable one week trip for almost all groups.


The two long and nasty portages near Lund have now been rerouted so they are just long and dry. The two especially nasty portages north of Crystal on the way to Indian House have also been rerouted. The 225 portage exiting Crystal toward Indian House is the only one that you will not find if using the new park map. This 225 has been moved about 310 meters to the north. NAD27 UTM15U 400533 5654760 and 400618 5654722 should put you close enough to spot it."

That sounds like an interesting route as well. Is there road access to Lund? Can't remember if my maps show a logging road or if you have to fly into that?

You can drive all the way out toward Lund Lake. You will park at a new parking lot in the middle of the portage going west to Lund. It is not a road for mini-vans but caution should get vehicles with some road clearance through. The road route to Lund from the town of Red Lake is shown on this G4 map. WCPP info

Marten, by the way, I love your videos. Have probably watched them all. Your cabin, your journey's through WCCP, I try not be too envious. I like the 5 gal bucket(s) as well...

quote Marten: "You can drive all the way out toward Lund Lake. You will park at a new parking lot in the middle of the portage going west to Lund. It is not a road for mini-vans but caution should get vehicles with some road clearance through. The road route to Lund from the town of Red Lake is shown on this G4 map. WCPP info "

Thanks Marten. That's excellent. Any guesses on the length of that road and time to cover it?

The GPS track info shows it at 54 miles-86k- and 2:00:52 to travel from Lund Lake to The town of Red Lake.

This map shows a little more information. Use at your own risk. G4 map with wcpp info
Use the drop down menu to turn on labels. Labels with numbers are portages. Usually a c in the name will mean campsite. Beware that any coordinates taken from this map will be WGS84.