Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park :: WCPP lakes and such
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McVacek |
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jwartman59 |
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ZaraSp00k |
quote jcavenagh: "One additional point: If you are going in September, my impression is even the Leano-Mexican Hat route will be essentially without any other groups. Any of you more experienced folks agree??" I went in september and encountered other groups, but that was the first week. really, if you want absolute solitude you would be wise to think out of the box like the OP and seek out another route. The park is big people. |
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jcavenagh |
quote jwartman59: "for the life of me i cannot understand why nobody ever considers the bloodvein river route out of woodland caribou. " For me, when I actually do finally get into the park, I want to avoid motor traffic to the greatest degree that I can. Don't read my comment as being anti-motorized fishing out post. Those are certianly valid uses of the resources and are a valuable feature in the park. It is just my personal preference to be where motorized traffic is not allowed. So, I look at areas other than the Gammon and Bloodvein for what is likely to be my one and only chance to paddle WCPP. |
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nctry |
quote Marten: "quote Widespreadpanic: Having been to both Joey and Irvine I can say you will not be dissappointed. Great walleye action. Thanks to Martin and his help I've enjoyed this area the past two years. We didn't do as well on Joey in 2011, but this year I didn't even get to fish as my partner filled us out in short order. Irvine was unbelievable and both are fun to travel to and from. I was going to hit Wanda... Harlan said there is some nice walleye there too, but we didn't have time due to the rains this year. The trip I'm thinking of trying next is Olive down through Young and Linge down to Knox. Supposed to be good fishing there too. |
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PortageKeeper |
Using this canoe route map can help, especially if you draw it onto the map that you plan to use during the trip. Most have found this lake/fish species guide helpfull. If the species you are fishing for isn't listed for your lake, then that species most likely doesn't exist, or at least is not plentiful in that lake. Most caribou sightings this year have been around Aegean. Next fall they will likely be somewhere else. Consult with the park office as the time is near to see where they're hanging out at that time. I've been there three years running, and would really like to spend more time exploring South Aegean. It's big and has a ton of character. Looked like a good place to search out some decent fishing. Also, check out where recent fires have been if you want to avoid the 'moonscapes'. Edit... The new park map was supposed to be available soon. You may prefer the updated version. |
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Widespreadpanic |
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Widespreadpanic |
What I really want is good walleye fishing with lakers to boot. I have been in contact with Harlan at Red lake outfitters and so far I am very satisfied with his operation. Harlan has made some suggestions but I really like to plan my own route with others opinions taken. What other lakes would you recommend, chance of seeing Caribou, rapids, fishing scenery and such. No Named lakes and bushwhacks are not out of the question. |
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SunCatcher |
I also have been there 3x, Harlan knows his stuff, he is a local and just about lives out there in the bush. nctry (BEN) on here is also a good reference. He has followed a lot of the paths of Martin. You have great resources in DentonDoc, Martin, NCTRY (Ben) and Harlan and they all can give you great idea's. I didn't fish a heck of a lot, so can't really give fishin advice, I can tell you I would go to ROYD lake anytime...it is a great lake. SunCatcher |
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jcavenagh |
Look at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNorthwoodsman1 btw email bounced back from your posted amil address |
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jcavenagh |
He probably has more current knowledge about more lakes and creeks in WCPP than just about anyone right now. he has been exploring th backwaters and creek beds up there for 10 years or so. |
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dentondoc |
Do you have an area of the park that you have some interest in? (I've made 3 trips and have a 4th planned, but don't have near the level of experience that Martin has. BTW: My 4th trip will be fly-in/fly-out but its mostly a smallie/walleye fishing trip so we'll be in areas that have lodges). One oddity (when compared to Quetico, for example) is that the waters that hold lakers are often different from those that hold walleye. Waters that have both are also more likely to have lodges (e.g., Donald) and/or cabins. Check the thread that Martin started with links to WCPP. You'll find a link to a PDF that list all of the lakes and fish species that might help. dd |
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Widespreadpanic |
Thanks for the info lead. |
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Marten |
quote Widespreadpanic: You sound like a good candidate to try the "Minjim Route" from Royd, Constellation and through Lighting and "Joey" to Indian House. There are no big rapids but some of the best scenery. Walleyes in "Joey" which is the second lake east of Lightinig. Royd has the caribou and the trout. Time from Royd to either Lund or Johnson entrance is 4 to 8 days. There are some nice camp sites along the route. For a longer stay you should do the Irvine Loop (walleye)before heading east toward Joey's Walleyes. |
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jwartman59 |
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dentondoc |
quote Widespreadpanic: "Thanks, I will try and find this Martin fellow (yoda)!" If you have trouble finding Martin's e-mail, send me an e-mail and I'll send it to you. We were sharing e-mails earlier this month, so I know it is still active (although, as previously indicated, it might be a couple of weeks before he gets back to you). I've been on Mex Hat and Glenn and some other areas. I've entered/exited at Leano, Onnie and Garner, so I know a bit about some of the lakes in those areas, if that would help. I'll do an entry at Bigshell in June, so I can give you a bit of recent recon when I get back, but I'm headed west on the Sabourin River ...downstream ... from there (rather than southeast). Last year's fire (labeled "Red 124") complete encircled Murdock Lake and much of Larus (some northwestern shoreline was spared). The burn north extended to a small area around eastern Thicketwood and south east to a small portion of Knox. Some previous burns included the Jigsaw/Adventure Lake area as well as others. So, it probably makes sense to check the Harlan or the park staff before you completely settle on a route. dd |
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SunCatcher |
SunCatcher |
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jwartman59 |
to get there you can go down the bloodvien river. a canadian heritage river. use it or they may rethink the current policy. this is a seriously superb river, it passed the canadian heritage river review, in canada this is very significant. amazing fishing for all sorts of fish, some you won't recognize. all of the rapids are easily portaged. and the ones you want to run are nice and tame. manitoba has been very user friendly for us foreigners, ontario, not so much. consider the bloodvien, you will be thanking me. on my trips there i have never encountered an another american. i have met groups from canada, of course, and first nations, but also groups from sweden, germany and i think maybe the ukraine. and winnipeg is a super cool city on the edge of the canadian shield. this city is of major importance in voyageur history. plus it has a tiny but real french quarter. if you are a canoe history buff, montreal, ottawa, quebec city, thunder bay, and winnipeg are must visit spots. in my most humble opinion, winnipeg seems the most authentic of the above cities. oh, by the way, we have seen caribou in this country. |
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nctry |
quote Widespreadpanic: "Marten, Constellation, Royd and lightening area was one that I had mentioned in an earlier post. The "minjim" route: is this tough sledding or fairly passable. You have definitely peaked my interest in this route." I've done this twice in the last two years. There is some challenge to it, but very doable. Both times I had a rain event making parts of it a little more challenging. Martin has the most current waypoints and tracks for the Garmin GPS... A must! I was surprised at how much I remembered from the first time. Beautiful, awesome route! A thanks goes out to Martin for turning me on to these routes! Remember! He has a discloser... You need to be well versed in backcountry travel. |
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Widespreadpanic |
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Marten |
quote Widespreadpanic: "Marten, Constellation, Royd and lightening area was one that I had mentioned in an earlier post. The "minjim" route: is this tough sledding or fairly passable. You have definetly peaked my interest in this route." This route is getting easier each year. A GPS is a must because the portages are not blazed. You could make it through without one but may spend a lot of time needlessly looking for the "trail." I do recommend you check out the video at "TheNorthwoodsman1" on Youtube and the story at canoestories.com. It if looks like something you want to do PM me and I can send you a Garmin file with the tracks and waypoints. |
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nctry |
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Widespreadpanic |
Some areas that i am considering: 1. Royd, Constellation, Kennedy 2. Simeon, Crazy, Pickerel 3. Bigshell through the sabourin river to Olive to Linge 4. Glenn, Mexican hat area |
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jcavenagh |
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