Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Mid-October family trip
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HayRiverDrifter |
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WalleyeHunter24 |
Water temps can be from the high 40's to the mid 30's. So you need to be extremely careful. A tipped canoe can lead to hypothermia (death) within minutes. This is reality and it does occur within the BWCA. Personally, I wouldn't chance putting my family in this situation, especially with young children (paddle next to shorelines and have a survival fire starting kit on you). Also, fishing can be very challenging in the cold water temps. Fish relate to different areas based on water temp and available food sources. Most likely, they can be in some of the deeper areas of the lake. I wouldn't rely on fish as a primary food source during your trip planning process. |
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SevenofNine |
Fishing might be so good unless you travel to the larger lakes. |
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flynn |
You can read his report here: https://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=trip.report_view&sel_trp_id=3627 |
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Blatz |
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Michwall2 |
Entry 37 - Kawishiwi to Polly Lake. About a half day paddle in. Good fishing lake. Opportunities for day trips - North to Malberg, east to Hazel. The trip crosses the far east section of the Pagami Creek Fire are. Some people enjoy seeing landscape without trees, others are spooked by it. Entry 38 - Sawbill Lake to the "Fire Lakes": Smoke, Flame, or Burnt Lake. Easy in and out. (Although Sawbill can act large at the bay of the first portage.) . Good fishing. Less opportunity for day trips. Sawbill Lake has a couple of protected bays and narrows. Excellent scenery and it has good fishing as well. There would be nothing wrong with paddling into one of the bays or to the north end of Sawbill (no portages) and staying there. Good day trips (e.g. up the Kelso River to see the dolman). This way you are within 30-60 min of your car and hot showers. Entry 39 - Baker Lake to Kelly or Jack Lake. Very easy portages. Beautiful river valley (Temperance River watershed). Lakes are long (north to south) and narrow with hills on either side. Chance to see moose. Not much for day trips (north to South Temperance or west to Burnt are both over longer portages.) Entry 47 - Lizz Lake to Horseshoe or Gaskin. Again smaller lakes, easy portages. You are in moose central. Lots of day trip options. (Winchell, Ogema, Vista). Some good fishing chances. Good Trip! |
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bhouse46 |
I do enjoy shoulder season tripping as crowds are down and permit season ends 10/01. That way I can watch weather patterns and go in when a good weather system is in the area. I have sat in the parking lot hoping the snow storm would pass and then heading home because it didn't. I can think of better times to trip, especially with family, but I know there are families with gear and experience that would really make this trip. |
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hedfamily |
We were thinking Isabella, but have never been there. Just noted that the elevation isn’t quite as extreme as Gabbro where we usually go. We’ve also never not reserved our permit. Not sure how the self-issued permit works. Insight on this would be great as well. |
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minnmike |
My advise would be to gear plan based on the forecast the day before if possible. Also go by the Ely forecast and not Grand Marais as the big lake has very different weather even if you pick an EP on the east side. I love the September/October time in the Bdub, September weather is usually way better but October is ideal if you want solitude. I found the Kawishiwi lake EP ideal in the fall as there are many changing tamaracks on the river right off the lake, the burn areas in the Kawasachong lake are beautiful, and the birches when you get to Marlberg are golden. I would seriously consider at least traveling through a burn area as these are by far the most colorful in the fall. |
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anthonyp007 |
Tony |
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bhouse46 |
Average temps range in the low 50's days and low 30's nights. Water temps will be cold so be safe. |
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hedfamily |
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MN_Lindsey |
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gravelroad |
YMMV, so prepare for the possibility (even likelihood) of snow and cheer when the sun is shining warmly. |