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Fishman3
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04/07/2016 09:36PM  
Is there a best time of the year to take a solo. Where the olds of something bad happing to you bugs, bears weather snow
 
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04/08/2016 04:13AM  
Third week in September would be my vote.
 
04/08/2016 05:45AM  
My vote goes to the last three weeks of Sept and the first week of Oct. FRED
 
Fishman3
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04/08/2016 06:15AM  
quote FOG51: "My vote goes to the last three weeks of Sept and the first week of Oct. FRED"
is do to the colors of fall and no bugs but weather can be a issue that late. Up side less people
 
04/08/2016 06:16AM  
I like the 1st 2 weeks of September. The days arent quite as short, the water is still relatively warm, the bugs usually are not a big factor. I did a solo the last week of Sept. in 2012 and it was gorgeous but I didn't see much wildlife, the cold north wind was up on a few days (into the 20's at night) and the days were getting very short.

Just my opinion. There's more solitude for sure the later you go in the season. And the trees are incredible with the falling leaves and all the color.

 
Fishman3
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04/08/2016 06:19AM  
Less people no bugs but weather issues or better colors to view to enjoy make all risks worth the late date
 
04/08/2016 06:38AM  
I'd vote for mid to late September.
 
Fishman3
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04/08/2016 06:57AM  
I have trip planned for next year. First ever solo. Looking at a 3 days. Alittle concerned but excited at the sometime want to get the best experience out of the trip. Have no problem with relaxing but want to see as much as possible from bass camping.
 
jeepgirl
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04/08/2016 07:14AM  
The week after Labor Day. Its still warm and much less people. This year I am headed in Memorial Day weekend. My September is booked with a Jeep Jamboree, a hiking trip and a wedding.
 
hobbydog
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04/08/2016 07:56AM  
quote TomT: "I like the 1st 2 weeks of September. The days arent quite as short, the water is still relatively warm, the bugs usually are not a big factor. I did a solo the last week of Sept. in 2012 and it was gorgeous but I didn't see much wildlife, the cold north wind was up on a few days (into the 20's at night) and the days were getting very short.

Just my opinion. There's more solitude for sure the later you go in the season. And the trees are incredible with the falling leaves and all the color."

+1 I have had very good luck with weather, especially the wind during the first 2 weeks. As you get later in Sept as the season really starts to change you can get some mean cold fronts that last several days.

Another time I like to go is the middle of June. The days are really long, the hot weather has not settled in and one of the best times of the year to fish.

 
04/08/2016 10:01AM  
I put in the day after Labor Day last fall. I met 2 people while travelling.....only saw a couple others on bigger lake campsites. Weather had been warm but a front arrived that day and temps were cool and comfy for trip but a tad windy. Water was still warm and bugs were zilch. September is usually nice but can be windy. October gets a little more iffy and can turn quick. I like the quiet woods in sept/oct.
 
04/08/2016 10:47AM  
Early September after school has started seems the best one time of the year for reasons stated. Days are still long enough, but beginning to get shorter. If the primary purpose is fishing this would not be a best time. In general wildlife sightings are more likely very early or even later in the season, but come with the risk of weather.
 
04/08/2016 03:47PM  
The whole month of September is good I think. Earlier is warmer and more light. Mid to late you may get to hear or see moose in rut. October is more colorful. I like to leave Oct open but if I anticipate a trip then and the weather tanks for the year, I'd be bummed... So I go earlier when I can.
 
04/08/2016 03:54PM  
quote FOG51: "My vote goes to the last three weeks of Sept and the first week of Oct. FRED"
Yep
 
04/15/2016 02:13AM  
mid to late May--- long days, few people, cool weather/water great fishing...
 
04/15/2016 08:14AM  
quote WhiteWolf: "mid to late May--- long days, few people, cool weather/water great fishing..."
Plus 1, like the longer days and higher water levels.
 
04/16/2016 06:28AM  
quote housty9: "
quote WhiteWolf: "mid to late May--- long days, few people, cool weather/water great fishing..."
Plus 1, like the longer days and higher water levels."


And, you can drink cold water with your meals. I've never gone in May due to my work but someday I would like to try it.

 
GraniteCliffs
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04/20/2016 06:39PM  
The OP asked for the best time to solo. I would agree late September would be my choice.
On the other had the OP then asked about "something bad" happening. If that is a concern I would likely choose an early August trip. The bugs are usually a non-factor, the water is warm if you dump and there are plenty of folks around to give you a hand if you need it.
If safety is the primary issue then I would think August would be better.
In either case stay off the water in rough weather, wear your PFD and avoid running rapids and you will be fine.
 
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