Monday, July 05, 2021~Lake Polly, Koma Lake, Malberg Lake Up at 7:00, we left for Malberg about 9:30 following yummy cinnamon raisin fry bread.

The skies had been hazy with smoke from Canadian fires for many days, but today the air was smoky and hazy closer to the surface. At the portage into Malberg, we met two other paddlers who asked about the smoke/haze. They'd been in for a week so were unaware of the Canadian fires. We talked about the lower-level smoke/haze and agreed that it was too diffused and widespread to be from a fire started the night before, but 20/20 hindsight makes me wonder now that I know about Delta.

Arrived Malberg about 11:30 and filtered water VERY slowly at the portage. I love the convenience of the Platypus gravity filter compared to a pump, but, man, it is seriously finicky regarding air in the lines or filter.

We dragged a line up to the northern end of the lake and got the campsite 1054 at the mouth of the narrows. No success casting from shore. After setting up camp, we fished to the end of the narrows and back, catching only two small northerns.

Having not caught any fish, we improvised dinner: kielbasa and mashed potatoes. S’mores for dessert.

Another disappointing day of fishing.