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06/10/2016 04:03PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)

Hey Quetico experts, I am looking for information about the stretch of the Maligne between Tanner and Sturgeon Lakes. I'm trying to coordinate a trip with two groups that would involve one of the groups going downstream and one of them going upstream between Tanner and Sturgeon. There's a bunch of rapids marked on the map without portages, so what I'm wondering is how you navigate those rapids going in either direction, given that the Maligne is a pretty big river. This trip would be in late August or even early September so most likely water levels would be moderate, which I imagine would make a difference.

Your words of wisdom will be much appreciated!

HoHo
 
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Eyedocron
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06/10/2016 10:04PM  
Through there several times and not dangerous as long as you do not foolishly try to run the rapids. The portages are there for a reason, and most of them are on the north shore. Just check your maps carefully before venturing in and enjoy the nice area.
GraniteCliffs
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06/10/2016 10:07PM  
Not an expert but have been through there going both directions several times over the years. My impressions of that stretch is simply be very careful in the spring when the water is at it's peak. Other than that I remember a few uneventful stretches of faster water but really nothing to worry about, especially in a normal August. The marked portages near the top of the river are well marked and fairly easy.
saltdog
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06/12/2016 04:29PM  
I part of a group of 4 that went upstream from Tanner through Sturgeon on our way to Bentpine last June. Mark Zup marked our maps showing the location of the rapids with no portage and told us that we should line our canoes upstream past each of the rapids. All of those spots were on the north side of the Maligne except one. The water level last June was abnormally low and made this trip possible for us. In August, you should be able to make the trip with no problem.
PineKnot
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06/13/2016 03:56PM  
Basic knowledge: It's a lot easier going downstream than upstream.

All kidding aside, I've been on that stretch of the Maligne in both directions several times in the past 8 years. Going upstream in June during high water was quite difficult, even the riffles you mention (the ones with no marked portages) that are closer to the Tanner Lake end. But my teenage son and I made it so you should not have any issues, especially in August. As for the major rapids closer to Sturgeon, you'll have to use the portages...all on the north side....
06/13/2016 10:20PM  

Thanks everyone for the input, it was the rapids without portages that I was concerned about, and I gather that they are basically fast water that you can paddle in either direction in low-to-average water levels - though of course it will be easier going downstream than up (our friends will get the easy way, David and I will do the harder work of paddling upstream). And yes we will of course use the portages where they are present . . .

Should be fun!
06/15/2016 06:55PM  
I can't help you with your question, but I must say I am happy to see you are still posting here. Your vast knowledge has been, and will continue to be appreciated. Thanks.
06/17/2016 03:42PM  

Thanks, Andy! I'm not as active as I was but I'm still around and try to help when I can - and appreciate the help from others!

HoHo
06/17/2016 06:37PM  
Yes. Good to see you again here Bill. What is the route you and David are planning? Sounds fun and long if the Maligne River is involved.
06/17/2016 10:08PM  
Hey Ho Ho, is Piwi still tripping with you guys? I'm taking Luna in Sept.

06/17/2016 11:09PM  

TomT - Yep, Piwi is still tripping with us - would not have it any other way. How's Luna in the boat?

Kiporby - This is a Prairie Portage to Beaverhouse trip where we are crossing paths with friends going in the opposite direction, then we will drive home in the car they drove to BH. They looked at the map and had the idea of going from Sturgeon down the Maligne and over Eat-em-Up to the Darkwater River and down to Argo, so that's how we are connecting the north and south parts of the park. At least that's the plan right now. Seems crazy and fun!

06/19/2016 06:24AM  
Luna is very good on trips. In the canoe she seems happy to just look around or nap. She never gets restless or excited while on the water. I got real lucky with this one and couldn't ask for a better dog to trip with.

How's Piwi doing? I don't remember if you have a male or female.

We haven't seen one of your excellent trip reports in awhile. I'll do one if you'll do one. :)



06/19/2016 07:39PM  

Piwi is doing great! She is a she. She is great in the canoe but she does have trouble just lying down and sleeping in it, when she does for a few minutes you see her nose start to twitch and she has caught some scent from shore and just has to get up and look around. Dogs need a lot of sleep so she is always tired on canoe trips!

I have stopped doing trip reports. I really enjoyed it for many years but then suddenly it was starting to seem like a chore. I think in the past when I only got to come here once a year I loved spending the time in the winter reliving it by putting the report together. Now that I'm here full time, I don't need that outlet. It's a shame for me though, because I like rereading my old reports! I've thought about posting pics with captions as an alternative and maybe I will do that next time . . .

In the meantime, it would be great if you posted a report. :)

06/20/2016 09:54PM  
quote Ho Ho: "

I have stopped doing trip reports. I really enjoyed it for many years but then suddenly it was starting to seem like a chore. I think in the past when I only got to come here once a year I loved spending the time in the winter reliving it by putting the report together. Now that I'm here full time, I don't need that outlet. It's a shame for me though, because I like rereading my old reports! I've thought about posting pics with captions as an alternative and maybe I will do that next time . . .

In the meantime, it would be great if you posted a report. :)

"


Reliving it is a big reason to do them but I imagine you get more than an annual trip now. I'm sure I'll put something together in the winter.
 
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