Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: What time of year do you like?
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Spartan2 |
We went once in May and froze. I don't think May is my "thing". My second favorite would be September, probably early September. But I didn't like the short days as you got into late September and early October. |
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straighthairedcurly |
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lindylair |
Done two trips the last week of may and have been very lucky with weather. Sunny and warmish, mid 50s to mid 60s,, cool at night to the mid 20s and low 30s. But that is not a problem for us. Very few bugs but we may have been just lucky. Good fishing and long days. Liked it enough we are doing another one this year. Used to go some in June but that is the month I avoid now for the most part. While fishing is good and days are long, the bugs are a their worst and I just don't want to deal with that if I don't have to - and I don't. Taken a couple mid to late July trips and loved the hot weather and swimming, paddling in shorts and t shirts. Was surprised that the bugs weren't as bad as expected. Caught plenty of fish. To me the second and third weeks of August are in some ways the sweet spot, but unfortunately the secret is out. It is a busy time but the weather is usually very good, comfortable and relatively stable. Swimming is great, bugs are on the decline. It's a good time to go if you are willing to go in a little further or don't mind a few other folks around. Ive gone a few times in mid September. Although I know it could be an awesome time to go, we have not lucked out with weather and have had a lot of grey skies and rain. But i am not giving up on that time because I know the potential. Favorite time? Late may has been good to us. Mid August is great, if I could go then with less people it might be my favorite. September could be great, I am going to keep trying to realize that potential. Bottom line, whenever it works for you to get up there, that's the best time to go. |
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okinaw55 |
May: 8 June: 8 July: 7 August: 8 September: 17 October: 4 Winter camping: 3 |
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Northwoodsman |
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thegildedgopher |
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okinaw55 |
I certainly will and have gone at other times. Each has its pluses and minuses. So whats your favorite time to go? As a side note: I don't think I will ever do May or early June again. Black flies, wetter weather, freezing water that kills if dumped into. |
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jhb8426 |
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dschult2 |
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CityFisher74 |
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pastorjsackett |
October Winter camping is super fun. Don't like heat and slow fishing. |
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schweady |
But, it's hard to wait that long into the season for a BW trip, so recent years have found me there in July, August, and September. Good and bad things about each time period... still, nothing finer. |
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Grandma L |
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DRob1992 |
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GopherAdventure |
May- minimal bugs, high water, lakes are crisp and fresh, portages easier to find. June- awesome fishing, long daylight hours, moderate temps July- swimming, swimming, swimming! August- flies have dwindled, fishing starts to amp up again, swimming! September- no/less bugs, more solitude, amazing colors, cool nights for sleeping. October- self-issued permits, spur of the moment trips, snow possibilities. December- never been, maybe next year January- silence, animal tracks, northern lights February- days lengthen, moderate temps March- winter camping heaven Just my thoughts, Tony |
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Canoearoo |
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bwcadan |
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boonie |
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trstuck |
September is nice, too, for the colors. |
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Duckman |
Smaller crowd of course, but the big reasons: 1) long days; 2) loons; 3) cool nights; 4) abundant firewood; 5) minimal bugs unless you get unlucky with a hatch. |
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TrailZen |
TZ |
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PineKnot |
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treehorn |
The worst bugs we encounter is a mosquito swarm that will happen for about an hour right at dusk...usually short enough that you can ride it out with long sleeves and spray, then they are mostly gone until the next night. I like wetfooting portages and landings without having to wear big waterproof boots or waders. And I love swimming out there. Honestly, the idea of tipping a canoe in the frigid waters of May or October scares the heck out of me. I've seen how easy it is to do, and if it happens in those times of the year, you are literally fighting for your life. |
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RunningFox |
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missmolly |
Jaywalker: "I like all times of year, but am probably most tentative about going in July due to crowds and bugs. I sure enjoy the swimming then though. I love your perspective, jaywalker. However, I agree with TZ. In early September, there are still leftovers of heat and the days are still long enough to really savor, but fall is already serving up its appetizers. |
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Jaywalker |
Winter really is special to me up there. The snow holds the history of what happens around you. In summer you may never know if a bear walked through you camp, or if a wolf or moose walked the portage minutes before you. But in the snow you can see all sorts of stories. |
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pamonster |
September for camping. If I had to pick one I'd pick September. I'm not as gung-ho about fishing as I was 10 years ago. |
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HowardSprague |
But my preference is smack dab in the middle of summer, July and August. Now, if I should go then and finding open sites is arduous, I might change my mind. But it's rarely been an issue that another hour of paddling didn't take care of. As for "bugs" - for me it's best after June. Before July, ticks are all over the place. |
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A1t2o |
The long days, mild temps, and decent fishing are a big draw though. We also don't have as much extreme weather in June as we do in July or August. The convenience and benefits just come together and make that timeframe work for us. |
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deerfoot |
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