Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Normally I trip into Quetico Park, but this year decided to do a Boundary Waters canoe trip with my daughter Sarah and her new husband John. John is a newbie to the BWCA, but an experienced hiker and outdoorsman, who had no trouble with the trip. We did the Saganaga-Knife-Seagull trip for the beauty, and also to get a look at the burned area.
As usual the scenery was pretty and the canoe trip mostly uneventful (other than the nice views), which is what we want--a nice camping trip with no mishaps or major troubles. However, we made our own amusement with "watermelon head."

We dressed a watermelon in its own life jacket for the paddle (so it wouldn't roll around) and make jokes about it, let it go swimming in the lake water to cool off at the first BWCA camp site, then sacrificed it on a tree stump alter, after which we ate it! It was soooo good after a long day's paddle. Probably had to be there to enjoy the amusement.

We did not see any big game, but did find bear claw marks on a white birch tree at one of our camp sites. Fishing was pretty bad or we were just unlucky, but most people we met said they also had little luck that week. That being said, we did catch catch saugers, pike, and bass, but they were generally small and not very many of them.

Once again, as in all previous trips, Voyageur Canoe Outfitters did a wonderful job in assisting with partial outfitting for our Boundary Waters canoe trip.  We purchased some last minute items and rented a Wenonah solo canoe due to our odd number, while Sarah and John paddled my vintage 1975 Mad River Explorer.

We had to drive 7 hours to get to Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, so, really enjoyed the bunkhouse stay the night before the BWCA trip, breakfast the morning of, and the showers afterwards.
The staff is always friendly and helpful. Looking forward to our next trip, which will be back into Quetico Park. Hope to have Voyageur be our partial outfitter of choice again.

Name: Frank Bonner
City: Rochester
State: Minnesota
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

I wanted to thank you for your polite, efficient, and professional service. I have been taking trips up in the area for 30 years and have used a few different outfitters. This trip was my first with Voyageurs and it will not be my last. Your staff was great and the service excellent. I will be recommending you to others and will use your services again in the future! Thanks for helping create a great BWCA canoe trip for us.

Sincerely,
Jim Condon

Name: Jim Condon
City: St. Paul
State: MN
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

We spent the past long weekend with you in the BWCAW. As a former resident of the area, I am so happy to see Voyageur Canoe Outfitters doing such an outstanding job. You made us feel very welcome and made sure to provide us with details to make the Boundary Waters trip such a success. I will know doubt will recommend you to others. Great experience in the BWCA. We watched moose grazing in the water, beautiful sunsets, endless blueberries, and big northern!!! Well Done!!

Name: John
City: Stillwater
State: MN
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

We had trouble getting to Saganaga Lake in the BWCA June 14th because of the bad weather. We didn't make it to the Ranger Station before they closed so we had the permit sent to Seagull Outfitters but arrived there after 7pm and they were closed as well.

We were in a panic! I said to our group let’s try Voyageur Canoe Outfitters as we have stayed at your Lodge in the past.

Without question Mike helped us secure our Boundary Waters overnight motor permit!

A big “thank you” from the Kretschmer’s from Wabasha, MN.

Hope to get to your beautiful area one more time before the snow falls as we caught Walleye’s on Sag and my son Charlie caught a 44 inch Northern which was released to excite the next unknowing Smallmouth fisher person casting the shore line.

Name: Tim Kretschmer
City: Wabasha
State: MN
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

     The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in the state of Minnesota.  In Minnesota all personal watercraft must be registered in order to be used on public waters.  If you want to bring your canoe to the BWCA then your canoe must be registered either in your own state or in the state of Minnesota. 

     Unfortunately the Minnesota DNR hasn't made registering online an option for watercraft registration unless you are renewing a current registration. You can find information about registration online.

 

Where to apply:

In person at any deputy registrar of motor vehicles (where you license your car) or at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN.  On your way up to the Gunflint Trail you can stop at Isaak Hansens in Lutsen, MN.

City:	LUTSEN
Address:	4921 WEST HIGHWAY 61
Zip:	55612
Phone:	218-663-0021
Hours:	M-F 8:00-4:00 Sat 8:00 - 12:00

 

 

 

If your new boat (except kayaks or canoes) is longer than 16', your dealer will apply for title and registration (license) on your behalf, and is responsible for providing you with license materials.

When you register your boat for the first time, know its length, manufacturer, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion, model, year, serial or hull identification number (HIN) and have a sales receipt that shows you have paid the sales tax.

Length is the straight-line distance from the foremost part of the boat (bow) to the rearmost part of the boat (stern). Bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders and other attachments are not included in the measurement.

Boat registrations are good for 3 calendar years (for example 1/1/2003 through 12/31/2005).

Issuing fee If new, renewal & transfer or transfer only: $8.50

Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, sailboards, rowing shells (not rowboats) and paddleboats up to and including 19 feet (over 19 feet same as pleasure craft)

$10.50

$5.00

+ issuing fee*

 

    

     If you’re looking for a true wilderness then visit the Boundary Waters in October.  BWCA permits are based on a self-issuing process due to the lack of visitors during this month.  No people, no bugs but lots of places for you to enjoy the solitude of the BWCA.

 

     The month of October is known as the Harvest Moon and Falling Leaves moon.  After the fall colors have reached their peak and dried up then the winds blow the leaves to the forest floor.  The decomposing leaves produce the unique smell of fall in the air.  The air is somewhat chilly with the average daytime high of 51 degrees and a nighttime average of 32 degrees.  The sun can still be hot but the hours of daylight are dwindling and night fills the sky longer.

 

     The night sky is the focus in the Boundary Waters in October.  Two different events keep canoeists eyes on the sky during the evenings.  The Draconid Meteor Showers are seen at nightfall and occur the 2^nd week in October.  They are best seen without a moon as are the Orionids.  The Orionid meteors are the third week of October and display about 15 meteors per hour and leave long trains.  After midnight is the best time to see the Orionids.  Be sure to check the calendar to see the exact dates for each year and plan your BWCA trip around them.

 

     The BWCA lakes turn over in October and the water is chilly at around 40 degrees.  This is when whitefish and lake trout spawn and large northern pike can be caught.    Walleye move shallower once again making them easier to catch.

 

     The Boundary Waters is quiet in October as wildlife prepares for winter.  The snowshoe hare will be changing colors as moose and deer enter their rut.  Some ducks will be present like the Golden Eyes and Mergansers but soon they along with the loons will leave for warmer temperatures.  Snow buntings will appear as the other winged wonders disappear.  The Black Bears will be looking for a place to spend the winter months and other animals will be busily preparing for snowfall.

 

     With a little extra caution and clothing October can be a wonderful time to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  Camping can be a bit chilly but the lack of people and ultimate solitude makes October an incredible time to experience the wilderness of the BWCA.

In some people’s opinion there isn’t a better month to visit the BWCA than in September.  The bugs have departed, the people are scarce and the wilderness scenery is more beautiful than ever bathed in the fall colors.  If you’re looking for a real treat then try the Boundary Waters in September.

 

The temperatures begin to cool down in September and in response the lake’s water temperature also drops.  While swimmers may not be too happy about the temperature change the fish are.  Walleye and Lake Trout can be found in shallower water once again and become more aggressive.  Smallmouth Bass tend to bite less but Northern Pike are as feisty as ever and it’s a great time to catch a trophy Pike.  The average daytime temperature is around 66 degrees, nighttime temperature 44 degrees and we only receive 3.8 inches of rain on an average year.

 

When the temperatures drop the wildlife in the Boundary Waters gets busy.  The squirrels and chipmunks scurry about packing away food for the long winter.  Bear are busy fattening up and avoiding being shot during the annual bear hunt that is typically the first couple of weeks of September.  Small game like grouse are out and about and that hunting season opens as well.  Many winged wonders can be seen migrating and the loons bunch up in preparation for their flight.  The moose also prepare for their mating season.

 

The predominantly green landscape of summer begins to change color in the canoe country during September.  The September moon is sometimes called the wild rice moon because rice in the BWCA is ready to be harvested or the yellow leaf moon for the changing of colors.  The aspen and birch turn golden yellow, the maples a vibrant red and the tamaracks a warm burnt orange color.  The process can be slow or quick and the foliage varies from lake to lake but it all is similarily brilliant.  The peak color change is different every year but if you’re lucky enough to be in the Boundary Waters for it then you’re in for a real treat.

 

September is a wonderful time to visit the canoe country wilderness.  The peacefulness is plentiful and the bugs are basically non-existent.  The fishing, wildlife and changing of colors makes September a very special month to paddle the BWCA.

     You know what they say, "No news is good news?"  I think I agree because the headlines these past couple of days haven't necessarily been good. 

     One headline deals with the Minnesota Moose Hunt.  In spite of declining moose numbers the MN DNR has decided to allow another season of moose hunting.  Apparently the moose shot during the hunt don't affect the population.

     Another headline is about air pollution that makes its way to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  There are plants throughout the state that cause there to be a haze over the BWCA but the MPCA decided not to decide what to do about it at a recent meeting.

     Lastly the headline regarding mining near the BWCA didn't do much to cheer me up.  The MPCA won't deal with the problems they already have and we're supposed to trust them to do the right thing when it comes to mining next to the Boundary Waters? 

     The good news is the paddling season is almost here.  Some lakes are ice free and more will be soon.  This is a record breaking year for earliest ice out.  I'm also seeing moose on Sag Lake Trail on a daily basis and that's great news too.  Let's hope for no more "news" about the BWCA, unless it's the good kind.

     Is mealtime your favorite time when you're camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?  If so, then I bet you have some sort of method of madness for what you put into your BWCA food pack.  I have a method of my own when I'm on a solo BWCA canoe trip just as everyone has their own including the Voyageurs from many moons ago.

     A scientist named Kennicott had this to say about the Voyageurs' food after traveling with them.  "Pemmican is supposed by the outside world to consist only of pounded meat and grease; an egregious error, for from experience on the subject I am authorized to state that hair, sticks, bark, spruce leaves, stones, sand, etc. enter into its composition. It is very rarely that the Voyageurs reject anything in the shape of fish or bird...I think they would eat eggs so nearly hatched that the chick could almost peep."

     Most BWCA canoe trip enthusiasts aren't packing Pemmican or purposefully eating hair, sticks or bark.  I do know some folks who will kill and eat a grouse and I have even heard of a modern day Voyageur eating a birds' egg but this is seldom done in today's world.   

    However there are many people who take canoe trips into the Boundary Waters who bring along items to prepare fish for a meal.  Whether it is shortening & fish breading for frying or butter & garlic for grilling some folks plan to eat fish while in the woods.

     Then there are those people who want to eat in the Boundary Waters like they eat when they are at home.  This doesn't work well for me but if you don't mind carrying a ton of weight then pack in the potatoes, carrots, whole onions and fresh fruit.  You may as well bring along a cooler for all of the meat and other fresh food you plan to bring along as well.

     Maybe at home you eat lots of pre-packaged foods so in the BWCA you don't have to adjust your diet much from the pasta, rice-a-roni, hamburger helper and lipton noodles.  Carbohydrates from a box or pouch can easily be found and lately you can find meat in a pouch too.  Tuna and Spam come in pouches and I'm guessing chicken won't be far behind.

     In other people's food packs for their BWCA trip you might find everything dehydrated.  From the strawberries for their just add water shortcake to their astronaut ice cream if it's hydrated then it's not going into their food pack.

     Somewhere in between all of these Boundary Waters food pack options is a happy-medium.  That's what we like to supply at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.  Just the right mix of fresh foods, dehydrated items and things off of the grocery store shelf.  We've been packing for BWCA canoe trips for 20 years and we know what tastes good because we've tried it all.

     You may not eat just like you're at home while on your Boundary Waters canoe trip but believe me, nothing tastes bad when you're sitting beneath the stars and listening to the call of the loon.

 

     72 degrees and sunny sounds like a great day to go canoeing in the Boundary Waters.  The only challenge is there is still ice on the lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  We don't need to worry about canoeing mishaps in the BWCA in March but places where there is open water paddlers need to be extra cautious.

     All of this warm weather in the Boundary Waters makes me want to go canoeing and paddling enthusiasts are flocking to the open water.  In spite of the warm air temperatures the lake water is still dangerously cold so canoe paddlers should be extra careful during the early paddling season.

     The Minnesota DNR has the following to say about paddling.

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             MARCH 15, 2012

 
Warm weather, cold water can be dangerous mix for paddlers

Canoeists and kayakers anxious to hit newly-thawed rivers and lakes across the southern part of the state should consider the potential danger of cold waters, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

With temperatures predicted to be in the 70s for the next several days, many paddlers may be coaxed toward the water. Such weather can prove dangerous, or even deadly, if people don’t consider the consequences of cold water shock and hypothermia that can result from tipping into the water.  

Even though the air is warm, water temperatures are still in the 40s or lower.  

“Falling into cold water can cause immediate cold water shock,” according to Tim Smalley, DNR boat and water safety specialist. “That’s when cold water causes you to involuntarily gasp for air. If your head is underwater when that happens, drowning can occur in a few seconds.”

The DNR recommends these safety tips for canoeists and kayakers:
•    Wear an approved life jacket; even good swimmers need to wear one.
•    Wear a wetsuit or drysuit when paddling in water colder than 70 degrees.
•    Don’t paddle alone; boating safety increases with numbers.
•    Don’t load beyond the labeled capacity of a canoe and keep weight low in the boat.
•    Keep an eye on the weather and go to shore if the wind picks up.
•    Don’t go out in a canoe or any boat after drinking alcohol; the effects of alcohol are more dramatic while balancing in a boat than while standing on dry land.
•    Tell someone about where you are going and what time to call 911 if you don’t return.
•    Take a canoeing safety course, offered by the American Canoe Association as well as the American Red Cross and other public service groups.
•    If a canoe tips, stay with it if possible and await rescue, because most canoes will continue to float, even after capsizing and filling with water. Drowning often  occurs when the victim tries to swim to shore rather than face the embarrassment of being rescued.

“A little planning and foresight can mean the difference between a fun day on the water and mishaps and tragedy,” Smalley said.

For more information on paddling safety, visit the DNR website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/paddling_safety.html
 

     We knew there would be long lasting effects of the Pagami Creek Fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  No forest fire of that magnitude could not result in some campsite closures in the BWCA.  The USFS announced changes to BWCA entry point quotas and campsites in January 2012 for the upcoming paddling season.

     Not one of the 114 BWCA campsites affected by the Pagami Fire are in the vicinity of the Gunflint Trail.  Only 75 of those campsites have been closed and many will open up quickly once crews can get into the Boundary Waters Wilderness to cut down snags and other hazards near campsites.  Some campsites will remain closed longer due to lack of cover from the fire or the need for a new latrine to be brought in.  The USFS will work to get the campsites and portages cleaned up in a timely matter.

     As you'll see on the map below, the Gunflint Trail was not affected by the Pagami Fire.  None of the lakes in our District or BWCA entry points in our District have been closed due to the fire.  We're very lucky the fire remained closer to Ely's entry points and stayed far away from the Gunflint Trail. 

     For more information about the closures you can check out a previous blog entry of mine. 

 

      While most of the population is thinking about fireworks and 4^th of July parades I’m thinking July is a great time for a canoe camping trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  With its warm temperatures, good fishing, refreshingly cool water temperatures and blueberries ripening there may not be a better time than July to visit the BWCA.

 

     Smallmouth bass and northern pike are two easy species of fish to catch in the Boundary Waters especially in July.  Troll a lure in a lake inhabited with fish and you’ll have a difficult time keeping the fish off of your line.  It’s almost guaranteed you’ll catch something if you put your time in.  While some fish snobs don’t like to eat smallmouth or northern pike the people who remove the y-bone and eat these species are in for a real treat.  The fish that come from the cold waters of the Boundary Waters taste absolutely delicious when they are prepared fresh.  A shore lunch is just one of the many good things about paddling the BWCA in July.

 

     The warm air temperatures combined with the warm water temperatures makes July a perfect time for people who want to spend time swimming.  It’s so refreshing and fun to swim from BWCA campsite to campsite or out to an island.  Hours of entertainment are provided for families with kids who want to spend time swimming.  It’s a very comfortable time of the year not only for swimming but also for sleeping in a hammock.

 

     The nights are warm and the bug population has dropped considerably by July in the Boundary Waters.  It makes evenings by the campfire even more enjoyable.  The nights get a little bit longer in July but not by much.  By mid-month the sun rises around 5:24 AM and sets around 9:00 PM.  There’s plenty of daylight to paddle, swim, fish and pick berries.

 

     There’s nothing more satisfying than filling a camp cup with fresh blueberries while you’re out in the Boundary Waters.  They taste wonderful in pancakes or when eaten by the handful.  In addition to blueberries you may find some strawberries left from June and perhaps ripening raspberries.  The wild roses will be blooming along with the Blue Flag Iris, Twin Flowers,  Cow Parsnip and many other colorful and fragrant wildflowers.

 

     Also appearing in July are newborn loons.  Loons in the BWCA usually have their young around the 4^th of July.  Look carefully if you see a loon because there’s a good chance there’s a little one riding around the back of their parent.  You may also see moose with their young in the water eating underwater plants or cooling off in the mid-day heat.

 

     The lack of bugs, addition of blueberries and good fishing are just a few of the reasons to visit the Boundary Waters in July.  With the solitude, scenery and serenity found in the BWCA it’s difficult to understand why anyone would want to swap fireworks in a city for fireflies in the wilderness.  But that’s what keeps the numbers down in the Boundary Waters in the beginning of July so I guess we should be thankful for the folks who have to stick with their city traditions for the 4^th of July and who leave the BWCA for the rest of us.

     A Canak is not to be confused with a Canuck, which is what we call people from Canada.  A Canak is made by Wenonah Canoe and is a hybrid watercraft that is part canoe and part kayak.  It’s the ideal boat for solo camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

     The Canak was made for the BWCA.  There is plenty of space for canoe packs with two compartments for gear.  One compartment is in the bow and the other in the stern with large openings on top so they are easy to access for loading and unloading.  Not only are they easy to paddle but also to portage since they are made of kevlar and have their own portaging yoke.  This feature makes portaging in the Boundary Waters a breeze and sets the Canak apart from traditional kayaks that are cumbersome on portages.

     The Canak weighs just 38 pounds, is 16.6 feet long and handles like a dream.  My 9-year old son took one out last year and was able to keep it tracking even in a fierce wind.  There is a spray skirt you can get for it to keep you and your gear completely dry.

     If you want to try one out  then come on up to Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, we’ve got four of them for you to try!

 

     Each month in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers the canoe camper a different experience.  While the water temperature in May might be too chilly for swimming it's just perfect for catching a meal of lake trout.  There are lots of great reasons to plan a May BWCA canoe trip.
    
     The ice is usually off of most of the Boundary Waters lakes during the first week of May. This is the time of the year to go if you are in search of solitude or moose antlers. Moose lose their antlers during the winter and often times it’s along one of the portage paths. Being one of the first people on the BWCA portages means you could find one of these treasures. The USFS encourages you to leave the antler where you find it for others to enjoy. 

     As soon as the ice is off the loons return to the wilderness lakes of the Boundary Waters. The bald eagles will have already returned to their nests before the ice is off.  The mosquitoes don’t normally appear until later in May but the black flies could come any time depending upon the weather.  Wildlife viewing is generally very good due to the lack of people in the BWCA.

     Lake trout fishing in the Boundary Waters is phenomenal in May when the water of the BWCA is the coldest. The lake trout are close to the surface and are usually hungry for a meal so are eager to bite. They’ll continue to bite throughout the summer but they swim deeper and deeper as the summer goes on.

     The temperatures in May can be very warm or quite chilly. We’ve had snow and we’ve had 90 degree days in the Boundary Waters in May. The average daytime high temperature in May is 66 degrees and the average low is around 45 degrees. Rainfall is minimal with just under 3 inches being the average in the BWCA for May.

     If you're looking for a time to have the Boundary Waters all to yourself then take a canoe trip in May.  The smell of spring is in the air, the lake trout are biting and your chances of seeing wildlife are wonderful.  The BWCA is a great place to be in May.

     Every year we outfit a fair amount of Boy Scouts for their canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  There is a Boy Scout Base over on Moose Lake outside of Ely, Minnesota but we have been told time after time that Scout Troops would rather outfit their BWCA trip with us. 

     We've heard from Boy Scout Troops who have outfitted with the Sommers Boy Scout Base and they have said our equipment is much nicer and the prices for outfitting with Voyageur are less expensive.  The quality of equipment is important when you're out in the wilderness and any little discount helps when it comes to how much a BWCA trip costs especially for Boy Scouts who often have to fundraise for all of their money.

     Another reason Boy Scout Troops like us is that we're located at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  Moose Lake where the Scout Base is located is quite busy and and our location is less hectic.  Scout Troops love to be made to feel special and at Voyageur we make them feel very special.  We provide each Scout with a map, t-shirt and patch when they choose the complete outfitting package.

     Unlike the Boy Scout Base or other Boy Scout destinations you don't need to reserve your space at Voyageur three years in advance of your trip.  You can reserve now for a trip this summer or you can even wait until April or May to let us know.  Chances are there will be plenty of permits available for your Scout Troop to camp in the Boundary Waters.

     We love to outfit all types of groups and individuals at Voyageur and we'd love to see you all this summer.  If you know of a Boy Scout Troop that might be interested in a BWCA canoe trip then be sure to tell them about Voyageur, we'll take great care of them.

     There are some people who say, "You have to have a kevlar canoe for the BWCA."  While I most often paddle a kevlar canoe on my Boundary Waters Canoe Camping trips I don't think everyone has to paddle one.  
     Kevlar canoes are great for BWCA canoe trips when there is going to be alot of portaging.  They are lightweight for carrying and make portages much easier for those without alot of strength and endurance. 
     It's also great to paddle a kevlar canoe when you're planning to travel alot.  The kevlar canoe is made for speed and paddlers in a kevlar canoe can get places pretty quickly.  Their streamlined design and almost weightlessness make paddling a kevlar a breeze.
     There are however a couple of times when you may not want to paddle a kevlar canoe in the Boundary Waters.  For an inexperienced paddler the kevlar canoe may feel less stable than a wider canoe.  If a beginner is looking for a solid, safe canoe then an aluminum or royalex canoe may be a better choice.  Also, if a person isn't planning to portage at all then the advantage of the lightness of the kevlar canoe no longer becomes important.  And if a person is planning to spend alot of time fishing then the royalex or aluminum canoe allows more room for gear and could be the better choice.
     I prefer to paddle and portage kevlar canoes and for most people they are the best canoe for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  However, you don't have to have a kevlar canoe to enjoy the BWCA even if you're planning to portage.  Some folks swear by their 100 pound sturdy boats and as long as you're in the Boundary Waters that's all that really matters.

     There are ways to improve your odds for catching fish on a Boundary Waters canoe camping trip.  I'll share with you five sure fire ways to experience success on your BWCA canoe trip.

     Make sure the Boundary Waters lake you are fishing in has the type of fish in it you are trying to catch.  There's no bigger waste of time than jigging for walleye when you're on a lake that doesn't contain walleye.  The MN DNR has a listing of most of the lakes in the BWCA and what type of fish are in them.  Make sure you're using the right technique to catch fish on the right lake.

     When you're on a Boundary Waters fishing trip make sure you bring along a good variety of lures and plenty of them.  There's nothing more depressing than losing the hot lure and not having a replacement one in your tackle box.   You'll no doubt lose a lure or two by getting them snagged on logs or rocks so bring along plenty of them so you don't find yourself without the one lure that was working the best.

     Before you head into the wilderness waters of the BWCA make sure you have good line on your reel.  Replace old fishing line with new 8-10 pound test and plenty of it.  Remember you'll get snags and tangles and you want to have enough line even if you have to cut it a couple of times.

     Go through the hassle of bringing along live bait.  Chances are you'll be able to catch plenty of fish in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness without live bait but why take the chance?  You can increase your chance of catching fish by having a good variety of bait for the fish to choose from.

     Lastly, spend plenty of time fishing while you're on your Boundary Waters canoe trip.  If you're constantly paddling from campsite to campsite then you won't have as much time to fish.  You'll lower your odds for catching fish if you don't spend enough time fishing.  Plan to set up a base camp and spend the majority of your time with your line in the water.

     Consider these five BWCA fishing tips when you're planning your next Boundary Waters Canoe camping trip.  You'll improve your odds of catching fish and of enjoying a fresh meal of fish while on your Boundary Waters fishing trip.

     If you have your Boundary Waters Canoe Trip for this summer all planned out then you can reserve your permit beginning January 25th, 2012.  If you don't have your plans determined then don't worry, there's plenty of time to make your plans especially if you're paddling out of the Gunflint Trail.  

     The Gunflint Trail side of the BWCA is not as heavily used as entry points into the BWCA near Ely, MN.  We'll often have Boundary Waters permits available up until the last minute.  However, if you want a particular entry point on a particular day then the sooner you reserve your permit the better.

     How do you reserve a BWCA Permit? You can give us a call with all of the information below and we'll do it for you or you can do it yourself.  It's quite easy and you can reserve your Boundary Waters permit online or by telephone(1-877-444-6777) When reserving a BWCA camping permit you'll need the following.

1. Name, address and telephone number of the party leader.
2. Name of up to 3 alternate party leaders
3. Number of watercraft(estimated & can be changed) up to 4/permit
4. Number of adults & children(17 & under) estimated & can be changed upon arrival at your permit pick-up location.
5. Entry point & Entry Date(these are set in stone)
6. Exit Point(is not set in stone)
7. Permit Pick Up Location(Choose us, Voyageur Canoe Outfitters if you're outfitting with us or entering at an entry point near us).  By default the permit will be sent to the USFS Ranger Station closest to your BWCA entry point. 
8. Submit payment with a credit card($6 Reservation Fee, $16/adult, $8/youth)

     That's all there is to reserving a Boundary Waters canoe trip permit.  If you need help determining an entry point or route then feel free to give us a call.  We love to talk about canoeing in the BWCA.  1-888-CANOEIT

     Yesterday we received a letter from the USFS outlining changes made to Boundary Waters entry point quotas and campsites.  According to the Forest Service 114 campsites were affected by the fire.  Not all of those received equal fire damage and out of those only 75 campsites will be closed at the beginning of the 2012 season. 

     The Forest service will open the BWCAW campsites when the sites are safe and rehabilitated.  Some campsites just need some snags removed while others need attention to prevent erosion.  The USFS said, "Forest Service crews will be opening most campsites early in the 2012 season."

     The were 23 lakes with campsites that were affected and of course none of these were near the Gunflint Trail.  The lakes included are, One, Two, Three, Four, Hudson, Insula, Horseshoe, Brewis, North Wilder, South Wilder, Harbor, Clearwater, Gull, Pietro, Hudson Pond, Baskatong, Bog, Isabella Lake, Isabella River, Kawashong, Quadga and Rice.  The reductions range from 1 campsite removed up to 13 on Insula. 

     In order to prevent crowding in this area of the Boundary Waters the USFS has reduced quotas for entry point lakes.  According to their document there will be no quota for Little Isabella River, Bog Lake or Island River and the Pow Wow Hiking Trail is closed until further notice.   Isabella Lake will have 1 permit a day as will Snake River.  All of these areas have restrictions regarding day use and directions which one may go so be sure to check with an outfitter or the USFS before traveling.  Lake One lost 4 permits a day but gained 2 permits called Lake One Restricted. 

     The Lake One Restricted will be in place until the other four permits are added to the regular Lake One quota.  Folks entering the BWCA with the restricted permit will not be allowed to camp on Lake One, Two, Three, Four or Hudson at any time.  This isn't a problem for people who want to travel on the fist and last day of their canoe trip.

     On the Gunflint Trail we're thankful to have all of our entry point permit quotas in place and campsites ready for use.  We can start reserving BWCA permits on January 25th so give us a call 1-888-CANOEIT or send us an email to get yours reserved.

     Have you ever spent 77 consecutive days in a canoe? A few friends and I spent our summer between the mesh seat and the portage pads of a couple of Wenonah Champlains.
     Wenonah makes awesome canoes and the Champlain was nothing but impressive.  It's the perfect canoe for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the perfect canoe for any trip! It is obvious that Wenonah got it right when they designed this boat. It has plenty of room for packs, gear, fishing tackle, and even a duffer (or two). The canoe tracked like a dream across the big water of Lake of the Woods and Lake Winnipeg. In the white water on the Hayes and God's Rivers in Northern Manitoba it did exceptionally well! Even though the canoe measures at about 18 feet, it paddles like a 16 footer in the rapids. Easy to maneuver around obstacles and keep pointed down river.
     Voyageur Canoe Outfitters   outfits their BWCA canoe camping trips with Minnesota Made Wenonah canoes.  You can test out the Champlain on your next Boundary Waters or Quetico Park adventure with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.

Name: Andrew Spaeth
City: Truckee
State: California
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip