Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: For those of you who take late Sept/Oct trips...
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Arkansas Man |
Bruce |
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Jaywalker |
Duff: "Thanks for the pic accolades. As with pics, it's usually right place, right time. Yah, what he said....! |
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airmorse |
outsidethebox: "airmorse: "outsidethebox: "outsidethebox: "airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking. I did. Three guys in one canoe catching some really small brook trout. :-) |
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outsidethebox |
airmorse: "outsidethebox: "airmorse: "outsidethebox: "outsidethebox: "airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking. Ha! That was the first day we were there. The second time/day my brother wanted to fly fish from shore-so that is what he did, mostly, for several hours. The full clip of the last fish was pretty impressive as he really made my reel sing-stripping line on its runs. The weather was beautiful-one brief morning sprinkle. |
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OneMatch |
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Savage Voyageur |
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Michwall2 |
Arkansas Man: "Now that I am retired from education, I foresee a fall trip. I would love to see the fall colors and fewer people. I'm thinking mid-September to early October! +1. That's what I did. |
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nctry |
Savage Voyageur: "When I used to go in the fall I would bring an axe, saw to process lots of firewood. We normally would base camp and bring in lots of gear and food. I like fall trips because of one last trip before the long haul of winter. " You hit the thing I just thought of too... one last trip before winter you think would help you get through winter better. While maybe true, also gets your anticipation boiling for the next season. That said, winter is an excellent time to visit the forums on gear, cooking/ food, planning... and dialing in on what your going to bring and such. Instead of asking how much fuel, play with it and see how much fuel you use with your stove. And how big of portions you need to bring to make or break a trip. Maybe lessons learned on that last trip of the year can spark off what you want to work for the next season. |
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GraniteCliffs |
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noodle |
I'm still looking forward to it, but I'm also mentally preparing myself for a potential early exit (and that beer & pizza in Ely) or not pushing very far in at all. Though, I also tell myself "mostly cloudy" DOES mean "a little sunny"... |
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VaderStrom |
I don't want to make it sound too great that it gets crowded, but I've loved my fall trips and will continue them every year that I can. I'd echo what others have said about exploring what would be popular areas and loving it after the season closes down. My brother and I did the Kawishiwi Triangle a few years ago in November. We didn't see another person and paddled in t-shirts and caught a full dinner. I've also been snowed on. Let me tell you, seeing snow cover the shore from the middle of a lake is quite magical. |
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Jaywalker |
The colors were fantastic. Campfires are much more enjoyable when there is a chill to ward off and it’s dark. The moose are in rut. I didn’t get to see either, but paddled by two bulls the other day in different areas snorting and grunting and making a fuss. I could leave my tent door wide open so my dogs could go in and out as they pleased. I bring a little better and more food and warmer clothes, and I move around a bit less - but you can sometimes have a popular lake all to yourself. After all the talk of crowds this summer, I just had five days when I did not see anyone. |
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Banksiana |
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BearBurrito |
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airmorse |
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outsidethebox |
outsidethebox: "airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking. I have posted a couple pictures on the BWCA FB site. |
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ForestDuff |
I feel I should answer the original subby's question with a little more detail. 90% of my trips in the last 15 years are in March or Oct. I don't like bug dope. I prefer snuggling into the warmth of a down sleeping bag vs laying on top wondering if I should have brought a battery operated fan. I love the option of going wherever whenever. I think the amount of daylight in Oct is perfect, when you settle down in the tent, it's dark, and the robins aren't awaking you at 5:00 am. October weather? Last Friday's 72 was a rarity. I'm glad I threw in a pair of shorts at the last minute. You are much more likely to see fluffy white stuff falling from the sky. Fall BW fishing? That will test any fisherman out there. It's tough, but I can usually scrape out one dinners worth, and that's all I ever plan for. The leaves seemed to hold on later this year, it's totally different from year to year at the same time of the year. I'm a base camper, I stick to smaller water as a solo guy in the fall. And I don't go in all that far, hearing trucks on the Fernburg road doesn't bug me, neither does seeing the Ely airport lights at night. Crowds? Some years are sparse. Others, like this year, you see your share of folks. I think when people can go whenever, nasty weather forecasts will keep them at home, myself included. I delayed last year's trip by a week, and after the previous years fishing in 16 degree wind chill and watching my eyelets freeze over, it was an awesome decision, I had great weather after an early October freeze...........and the Lake One access all to myself. I've finally come to the acceptance of mice in the fall. Islands at some times can become overpopulated with them. They used to freak me out. Last week they were running over my woodland fairy boots (Stieger moccasins) and, for the first time, between the fly and the tent. I was good... surprisingly. Fall time is gunshot time. You can hear the occasional grouse hunter, but I find it interesting to listen to the waterfowlers in the morning as I'm laying in my bag. Was big into it in my younger days so I can usually tell what's going on......."Oh, that's a follow up water shot." I tend to only have campfires from dinner till bed, being solo and the only one in charge of collecting and cutting. I cut and split the big wood in camp that most folks pass on, so in a way, I clean up a lot of campsites. Nothing ticks me off more than walking into a campsite with green and punk wood stacked next to the grate. Fall camping sucks, y'all should refrain from giving it a try. :) |
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Basspro69 |
mooseplums: "Awesome ! |
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Basspro69 |
Duff: "Beautiful!!! |
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deerfoot |
gravelroad: "pswith5: "I like the cooler temps, probably because I work in cool conditions. The dark affects me on solo trips because I associate darkness with sleep time. At the same time, I am unable to stay in a sleeping bag for very long due to various aches and pains. I have what is probably the Chinese knock off version of this cot. My father had it and gave it to me quite awhile ago. The last few years I have used it on paddle in base camping trips mostly in late October early November in the UP of Michigan. It certainly makes for a comfortable nights sleep with the proper sleep system. I always watch for reasonable late season weather and if a window develops will go. Two years ago a friend and I went to Sylvania at the end of October and had nice weather the first few days/nights and then got hit with a blizzard on the morning of day four. The pluses were absolutely no other people, great sleeping weather, wonderful long evening campfire sessions and crystal clear cool days. The minus was the blizzard that started early am on our departure day. But I kind of enjoyed the paddle back to the car in occasional white out conditions. |
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outsidethebox |
TuscaroraBorealis: "- sleep easier/better My brother (Mobile, AL) called me (Kansas) the end of August asking me to accompany him on a, first for both of us, venture into the BWCA-Sept, 17 to 21. We had to adjust our original plan due to the crowds but this was the best thing that could have happened-we made a great choice. Otherwise, the weather was gorgeous-even the hard frost the first night and your list is 100% applicable to us. The brook trout fishing was world-class spectacular in size, numbers and beauty...simply incredible. |
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Heyfritty |
outsidethebox: "TuscaroraBorealis: "- sleep easier/better Do expand...numbers and size! |
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airmorse |
outsidethebox: "outsidethebox: "airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking. Looks like you had nice weather. Almost too good. Oh, and nice fish! |
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Yellowbird |
Honing fishing skills - you think you've got them, you work harder and learn something new. Wildlife - Ducks are stuffing themselves with wild rice by the hundreds. Also its the only time we heard wolves howling at night (and close by). It's creepy. Respect - More awareness and care given to our surroundings. Changing weather and cold water conditions brings about more caution than summer. |
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Jackfish |
How do you do it and why do you like it? |
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DanCooke |
Evenings are long and a great time to reminisce around a campfire or around a wood stove if you bring in a hot tent. Breaking shoreline ice is not a lot of fun, so best to pay attention to weather reports. |
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pswith5 |
Spring is easier because I can get cooler temps, but a little more daylight. Mid May is best, mid September 2nd best. Pete |
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mooseplums |
It's a good possibility that I am going in Wednesday this week. I'm all packed and ready to go. |
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HowardSprague |
The cons are what you listed, Jackfish. Given a choice, I will always pick the warm or hot weather times first. The biggest drawback to summer - aside from more challenging campsite claiming - would be the likelihood of a fire ban. All that said, I still enjoyed my fall trip a couple years ago. More stuff to bring and higher likelihood of being stuck in camp vs out paddling/fishing, but one adapts and enjoys. |
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outsidethebox |
airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking. You certainly may ask. The nondisclosure is at the request of our guide. I will say that we fished this lake, mostly, per our request-so the general information is out there for the viewing public to discover and to be informed. At the same time Craig gladly took us up on our suggestion-stating that it was the best brook trout lake in the state...we cast a wary eye-we are now believers. The You Tube clip my brother has entered does not show the fish real well but BWCA beauty and the spirit of the event is somewhat captured-you should be able to google it through You Tube with the information provided. |
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Basspro69 |
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outsidethebox |
airmorse: "outsidethebox: "outsidethebox: "airmorse: "Can't blame me for asking. Did you view my brother's video? |
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Michwall2 |
Star watching is great. Less moisture in the air brings better viewing. We saw some wonderful wildlife! The only time we see otters is when my wife is along. We saw a family crossing South Temperance Lake as we were leaving. The rain is cold. I will bring a bigger tarp when I go in the fall again. We had some wind on the last day. It made travel more work, but I enjoyed the different feel of the forest and look of the water. Things I missed: I missed swimming. I missed song birds. I missed the flowers of spring or summer. The forest feels more old. Almost rushed as it tries to get ready for a long winter. I would go back. It is a different time of year and gives a whole new appreciation for what fall really means in the forest. It is magical. |
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Spartan2 |
But then, I am not a person who enjoys fall in general, so I suppose that factored in. 2004 was the only time we were ever able to get two trips in one year, and the spring one ended on June 20th, which was the Summer Solstice. As a person who loves the freshness of spring, I liked it much better. |
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schwartyman |
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AmarilloJim |
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rtallent |
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straighthairedcurly |
I also have rarely had rain during a September or October trip. The sky is a stunning different sort of blue. I rarely get to do fall trips anymore due to my work schedule, but I did get to enjoy 2 days in mid-September this year. Loved it! I do miss swimming, but a worthy trade off in my opinion. |
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dogwoodgirl |
But then, I am not really a summer person....too dang hot! |
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OldTripper |
Jackfish: "Do you really enjoy going that time of year? Less sunlight, cold at night, fishing is tough, water is colder... Sure, I get it that there are fewer people and the mosquitos are gone, but I'm not a fan of the short days and, frankly, I'm just a warm weather dude. Late fall trips just don't appeal to me. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy going that time of year. About half of my 20+ trips have been between September 15 and October 15. The shorter days don't bother me a bit, nor does the cooler weather. The cooler weather just means a few more clothes. I'm always tripping in the fall and don't take any fishing gear so that is not an issue either. There are fewer people up there so I don't worry about getting a nice campsite, which means I paddle later in the day, usually picking a campsite an hour or two before it gets dark. After camp is set and supper is done, I look forward to staring into a nice fire, reflecting on the days journey, recalling the sights and sounds of the day, until it's time to turn in. One thing I really look forward to is not seeing another soul for the entire time I'm there. Yeah, I really like the fall trips. :-) |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
- fall colors - better chance for moose sighting. Imho - brook trout sporting their colors - moon rising, star gazing, northern lights can be breathtaking. Better odds of seeing. - campfires are way more enjoyable. - fresh food and drinks easier to keep cold. - autumn forests have an intoxicating aroma. |
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okinaw55 |
TuscaroraBorealis: "- sleep easier/better This ^^^ |
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nctry |
I enjoyed the darkness as much as anything. Didn’t have much frost until the end. Fewer people? Yes, but still plenty encountered. Every season has it’s good and not so greats. Winter is the worst for canoeing... the water gets so darn hard! |
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jhb8426 |
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Duckman |
And as others have said, it brings the wilderness back to some entry point lakes. I've gone in mid/late October and paddled back to the Sawbill landing from Cherokee without seeing a soul. I miss the loons. And it's a bummer not being able to grill up a lake trout in October. |
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gravelroad |
pswith5: "I like the cooler temps, probably because I work in cool conditions. The dark affects me on solo trips because I associate darkness with sleep time. At the same time, I am unable to stay in a sleeping bag for very long due to various aches and pains. This cot has made a world of difference to these Boomer joints. I won't leave home without it. If you buy one, shop for prices lower than those listed here: HITORHIKE CAMPING COT |
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cowdoc |
Jackfish: "Do you really enjoy going that time of year? Less sunlight, cold at night, fishing is tough, water is colder... Sure, I get it that there are fewer people and the mosquitos are gone, but I'm not a fan of the short days and, frankly, I'm just a warm weather dude. Late fall trips just don't appeal to me. Big difference between mid sept and early to mid Oct for day length. I don't mind the shorter days. Keeps my travel days shorter and I've come to enjoy that. Only real problem was an early Oct trip with a fire ban. Real bummer drinking cocktails around a dark fire pit with your headlamp on starting at 6:30. I seem to catch enough fish for a meal or 2 over 5-7 day trip. I really like not sweating my tail off on portages and enjoy the cool breeze coming across the colder water. Sleeping in a cool/cold tent is tons better than trying to sleep in a hot tent. I miss the bird sounds but will trade it for bug absence. Finally Pete, if you have not taken your wife during peak leaf color time, you should go sleep in the dog house. |
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A1t2o |
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ForestDuff |
Most issues why I camp in Oct have already been covered, so I'll just leave this pic here from a few days ago. |
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Jackfish |
Duff: " " Oh my goodness... Duff, that is an amazing photo. I hope you have that one matted, framed and on the wall. Beautiful. |
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Heyfritty |
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mooseplums |
I like fall trips for this.... And this. |
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outsidethebox |
airmorse: "And location..." First, being our initial visit, we were guided. It took us an hour, from our base camp, to get to this lake. My brother is an expert fly fisherman and wanted to see what he could figure out in this regard...I am nine years older and fish like our father :) We fished the lake two days-3 to 4 hours each time. The first day we boated six or seven-the action was fairly evenly divided between the three of us. We returned two days later to see if there were more of those beauties in there...and now it is story time. Frankly, we lost track of the numbers. I am guessing that we netted 20 to 25 of them that day. They were 15 to 19 inches-incredibly healthy and beautiful specimens. If you go to the Boundary Water Outfitters FB page...or our guide Craig Best's page there are a couple pictures. Or mine, Warren Yoder. Edit: Better yet got to youtube and watch my brother's video "In which Dwight and Warren paddle the Boundary Waters and find brook trout". I'm old...am sure my grandsons can post pictures here-I can't. The lake...sorry, we're not disclosing. No one else was fishing this lake on either day we were there. |
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outsidethebox |
Two years ago my wife and I, while camping at Bear Head Lake State Park, had a good time catching brookies at Cub Lake - so I will offer that location...but no 15+ inchers. |
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GickFirk22 |
Jackfish: "Duff: " " Beautiful Picture! I head up Monday night next week for a 6 day solo trip. Going to stay on the fringes but genuinely looking forward to some solitude, the Orionids at their peak, and a chance at some fish fattening up for the winter...and some longer evenings by the fire with a good book (or 3) and tobacco in the pipe. |
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PuffinGin |
mooseplums: " Great photos. I especially love the paddle and trout one. Did you make your paddle? Love that moose on it! |
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MidwestFirecraft |
Because the air is clear and keen like a fine dry wine, and the deep blue shadows of early evening fill the sky and reflect on the water. |
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jwartman59 |
Late October, solo trip, had the entire BWCA to myself. This summer was my first BWCA summer trip in years. I avoid the crowds. We switched from summer canoe trips to North Dakota horse trips. The new oil fields messed that up. |
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mooseplums |
PuffinGin: "mooseplums: " It's a Sawyer paddle and I added the moose. |
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airmorse |
outsidethebox: "airmorse: "And location..." Can't blame me for asking. Your trip sounds like it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm glad you got to experience that with your brother. I used to fly fish, but haven't for quite some time. I'm not on FB. But I'll do an internet search of your outfitter. Thanks. |
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rtallent |
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airmorse |
mooseplums: " Nice!!! |