Fishing the Boundary Waters

     The answer to the question, "How do I plan a Boundary Waters Trip?" is very simple, you just call an outfitter, preferably Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.   We can help you plan a BWCA canoe trip within a few minutes of speaking with you.

     The benefits of using the services of a canoe outfitter to help you plan your Boundary Waters Canoe Trip are endless.  We've been outfitting canoe trips into the wilderness for 20 years and we know the lakes and the routes.  We know what type of fish are in which lakes, the degree of difficulty of the portages and the best places to camp.  We also know where you are most likely to run into a moose and when you're most likely to see people.  We can tell you lots of valuable information about planning a Boundary Waters Canoe Trip but you have to give us a call first.

     It's our job to outfit folks into the Boundary Waters and to make sure they have a good time and return year after year.  We'll help you plan your Boundary Waters trip, we're ready and waiting to do so. 1-888-CANOEIT

     Taking kids fishing in the BWCA is a great experience.  It's so much fun to see their excitement no matter what the size or species of the fish is.  I guess I'm still a kid at heart since it doesn't matter to me what type of fish I catch when fishing in the Boundary Waters, it's always a blast!

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.

The first couple of weeks in August tend to be a very popular time to canoe camp in the Boundary Waters.  Is it because of the never-ending sunlight, lack of bugs, bountiful blueberries or starry night skies?  Whatever the reason August is a great time to visit the BWCA.

The days are a bit shorter in August but are still plenty long for paddling the lakes of the Boundary Waters.  The lake water is at its warmest for swimming and air temperatures are warm too.  The average high temperature is 76.1 degrees, average low 52.4 degrees; perfect conditions for sleeping outside of the tent beneath the stars. 

Hang in a hammock between two trees and make yourself cozy.  There’s no need for a screen because the bugs are basically non-existent in the BWCA in August.  While hanging in the hammock keep an eye on the sky for the Perseid Meteor Shower.   Perseid meteors can often be seen as early as July 23, when one meteor every hour or so could be visible.  It is possible to see up to five per hour at the beginning of August and when they peak around the 12^th of August you could see as many as 50-80 per hour.  After the peak the number slowly declines but they offer sky watchers a real treat for the first half of the month.  There’s no better place to watch the Perseid meteor shower than in the dark skies of the BWCA.

The light of the moon reflecting off of the lake is another beautiful sight.  The month of August is known in Ojibway as the Blueberry Moon.  Sometimes blueberries will ripen before August but we’ll almost always have blueberries in the Boundary Waters to pick in August.  Along with the blueberries are raspberries, thimbleberries, bunchberries, cranberries and rose hips to pick and enjoy.  There’s even some flowers still blooming and they are primarily purple towards the end of the season.  Purple Knapweed, Purple Loosestrife and Fireweed are seen in August as are Black-Eyed Susans, Goldenrod and water lilies. 

The fishing in the Boundary Waters during August is good.  While lake trout go deep the smallmouth bass and northern pike are ready and willing to bite.  Walleye can be a little difficult to find but once you find them you’ll catch lots of them. 

As if the above reasons weren’t enough to want to visit the Boundary Waters there are other things happening in August such as Monarchs emerging from cocoons, mushrooms ripening, wild rice getting ready to harvest and hummingbirds preparing to migrate.  August is indeed a wonderful time to be in the BWCA.

 

     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.

 

 

     Deciding where to canoe in the Boundary Waters is always a tough decision whether it's your first trip, tenth trip or fiftieth trip.  Just like when you're planning a regular vacation you'll want to gather information for a BWCA canoe country vacation.  There is a plethora of information on the web including great commercial BWCA websites and outfitter websites.  There are also books published about popular BWCA canoe routes but keep in mind the information in books may not always be precise or up to date.

 

     To determine where you want to go in the BWCA you’ll need to know if fishing is an important part of your trip.  If fishing is important then you'll want to know what Boundary Waters lakes have which types of fish in them.  If you're going to paddle the BWCA in early May then find a lake trout lake because that's what will be biting then.  You'll also want to spend less time traveling and more time fishing if it's really important to catch fish.  Don’t plan to camp a 12 hour paddle from where you're BWCA starting point is or you’ll spend all of your time paddling and not fishing.

 

     Most folks want solitude on their Boundary Waters Canoe trip.  If your goal is solitude then choose a BWCA route with lots of long portages.  Look for lakes that are difficult to get to and farther in than a few hour paddle and find a BWCA campsite that is off of the beaten path.  This will keep you away from the vast majority of folks.  Don't be fooled by thinking an canoe entry point with lots of travel permits is necessarily bad.  There are smaller lakes off of some of these bigger lakes that you can find and have all to yourself. 

 

     Another factor in determining where you will go in the Boundary Waters is who you are going with.  If you’re paddling with elderly or small children then you may want to plan a base camp canoe trip.  Find a BWCA lake with good day trip opportunities so people have the option to paddle and portage or stay back and relax.

 

     There are lots of things to consider when planning a Boundary Waters canoe trip.  You can find a trip route finder on our website that might offer you some insight.  Also, we have maps we can mail you if you’d like to purchase one.  Then you can spend time looking at all of the BWCA lakes and dreaming about camping on them.

 

     No matter how many times I've been on Boundary Waters canoe trips it's still a tough decision to decide where to go.  Who I'm paddling with, how much time I have and how energetic I'm feeling all make a difference in what route I'll choose.  No matter where I go in the BWCA I know I’ll be happier there than anywhere else I could be and that’s a very good thing.

 

      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.

     The month of June in the BWCA finds all sorts of canoe trippers. From groups of men fishing to groups of students just released from school. There are a few families taking their vacations in June but it’s usually the serious fishermen who prefer to paddle during the month of June. 

     The water is still cool at the beginning of June and is perfect for catching walleye. Walleye is one of the most sought after fish in the BWCA for their tasty fillets. Fishing at dusk and dawn for these feisty fish usually produces great results. In addition to walleye the lake trout continue to be shallow and hungry until later in the month of June. Northern pike will bite in June and smallmouth bass begin their feeding frenzy about the 2^nd week in June. The fishing in the BWCA is good throughout the summer but it is excellent in June. 

      The wildflowers of the BWCA are really abundant in June. Wood anemone, roses, bunchberries, blue bead lilies and hawkweed are blooming and strawberries and serviceberries are ready to eat. It’s a great time to see the flora of the canoe country.

      The wildlife is out and about including some newly born ones. Moose, deer and bear may bring their young out on their first major explorations and if you’re lucky you’ll be there to see them. Young fox might be seen as well as pine marten, fisher and more.

     The longest day of the summer is in June and the days right before and after the solstice are perfect for paddling the BWCA. The sun rises just after 5am and doesn’t set until just after 9:00pm providing 16 hours of daylight to paddle and portage through the canoe country. A person wanting to cover some miles can certainly do so in June. 

     The water temperature begins to warm up in June and most people can tolerate swimming in the chilly lakes by mid-month. The average high air temperature is around 73 degrees and the average low around 51 degrees. The black flies are normally gone by mid-June and the mosquitoes taper off rapidly by then too. You’ll still have mosquitoes at dusk and dawn but once the sun goes down campers can enjoy time at the campfire.

      June with it's long days and short nights, warm waters and great fishing is a canoe country lovers dream.

 

     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.

     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.

     Every once in awhile we'll hear the question, "Why should I paddle with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters?"  Our first thought to this question is, "Because we're the best!"  And while this statement is true it might sound a bit like bragging so we usually tone it down a little bit.

     Our answer to why take your BWCA trip with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters goes something like this.  We've been year round residents at the end of the Gunflint Trail since 1993 and have been outfitting BWCA trips since then. 

     We're 56 miles from the nearest town of Grand Marais, MN and you are already in the wilderness when you begin your trip up the Trail.  Just by driving the Gunflint Trail and coming to Voyageur you're farther into the wilderness than some people get on their Boundary Waters canoe trips.

     We love what we do and where we live and this shows.  Our enthusiasm and love of the wilderness is evident and we want to share this love with as many people as we can.  We take pride in being the best there is in BWCA trip outfitting.  We're knowledgeable about the Boundary Waters, Quetico Park, wilderness fishing and camping and everything Gunflint Trail. 

      We have an excellent facility and incredible staff and we provide a one-of-a-kind outfitting experience.  We guarantee your satisfaction with Voyageur and the number of repeat customers we have speaks loudly.  

     There it is in a nutshell.  While it may be easier to just say we're the best it's probably better to give the lengthy explanation, even though we really are the best!

     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.

     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

After our family trip to the Minnesota North Shore and a day trip to the Boundary Waters last summer, I was excited to see a Living Social deal at the end of the summer for an everything included Three Day Boundary Waters Canoe Trip, good for one year.
So after consulting with a friend, we decided it would be a great weekend getaway for the husbands and two deals were purchased. What is nice about going through an outfitters, is that they give you everything that you need for your trip, including canoe, tent, sleeping bags, cooking stuff, and even all the meals. You just bring your personal items and fishing poles!

Last Thursday, my friend and I made the 7-hour trip north to the Boundary Waters. The first night is spent in a bunk house at the Outfitters, where they give you instruction on the equipment and how to survive in the Boundary Waters without getting eaten by a bear or losing all your equipment in the middle of a lake.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, they headed out for the wilderness. We spent the next 2-1/2 days canoeing, fishing,
cooking over an open fire, playing Camp Cards and reading by flashlight.

We had a little bit of stormy weather, which was not fun. Although we protected all of the food supplies by hanging it in a tree (like we were taught at the Outfitters), there was no sign of a single bear. Or coyote. Or eagle. Or even squirrel. Apparently all the wildlife in the Boundary Waters takes their vacation in August. Including the fish. My friend caught 4 fish the whole time. Me, I caught none. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

We did see some incredible sunsets though.
It was a great weekend of male bonding. We learned a lot and would definitely do it again.

The people at Voyageur couldn't have been better and we would definitely go back to them again.

Name: Carl
City: Chaska
State: MN
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

     The Voyageur Hudson Bay Expedition didn't move much on the 16th of July.  I'm wondering if they're experiencing a heat wave like we are on the Gunflint Trail and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area?  If so, then I hope they are spending some time cooling off in the wilderness waters.

     Maybe they are spending their time fishing to supplement the food donated by Jack Links and Richmoor Foods for their expedition? We'll have to wait and see.

Voyageur Hudson Bay Expedition on July 16th

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures

We set up base camp on Gneiss Lake in Minnesota's Boundary Waters and went portaging up the Granite river to go fising for the day. It was overcast and no wind - great for BWCA fishing or paddling. We were catching lots of Smallmouth all along the way and stopped for lunch a few rapids up on shore. I cast my top water popper out from the bank and boom, got a hit, set the hook only to find the lure and leader gone from my line. That was a bummer - Northern must have bit above the leader and cut the line. We went up another rapids and continued to have a blast catching fish. A few hours later as the sun was setting, we decided to turn back towards camp and shoot every rapids. Two rapids down we were enjoying the beautiful scene when my canoe partner points out something in the water...it was the top water popper I had stolen by a fish 5 hours earlier floating in the middle of the glassy lake two rapids down stream. UNBELIEVABLE! I snatched it up and rigged it up and caught many more fish. I also hooked myself in the arm with it the next day flinging it from a tree. You could say I developed quite the relationship with that lure on this Boundary Waters trip. Stuff like that just doesn't happen anywhere. Chad and the Voyageur Canoe Outfitters were great to us. I hope to be back to the BWCA next year.

Name: Chris
City: Peoria
State: IL
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

I led a small group of Boy Scouts and Adults from Troop 208 on a week-long trip and I could not have asked for a better week.

Things looked a bit shaky and first, as one of our cars almost broke down about 500 feet away from VCO. Rather than being a disastrous start to the week, it proved to be a sign of good things to come, as when I informed the staff of VCO of the problem, they told me not to worry about it, and promised to go to town while we were out on the water and pick up the parts we would need to fix our vehicle. As it turned out, not only did they get the parts, but they also went above and beyond and actually completed the repairs.

Feeling relieved that things were going to be taken care of, and thus able to focus on the fun and adventure that this week was supposed to be about, we set out early the next morning after a cozy bunkhouse stay and delicious pancake breakfast.

The first day of paddling was beautiful and relaxing. With no wind, Saganaga Lake was calm and easy to manage. We found two sites (we had ten people split into two groups) around Long Island and Gold Island that were absolutely gorgeous and we stayed there for our first night on the water.

Day two was relatively quiet. We didn't feel like moving camp right away, so we stayed where we were and did some fishing and exploring. The only excitement came when my brother and I accidentally swamped our canoe in some very cold, very open water. Fortunately, other members of our group were nearby and towed us to a nearby island where we dried off and warmed up before heading back to camp.

The next day we decided to strike camp and continue along our loop, hoping to camp on Red Rock Lake. Unfortunately, our timing was bad, and every site we found was occupied. Thus, we continued on to Alpine Lake, completing our first portage along the way. A rather strong wind (the only inclement weather we had the whole week) was blowing in our faces the whole way, and while we only canoed about 8 miles or so, it felt like we did the work of 16 miles or more by the time we found our new campsites.

We stayed on Alpine Lake for two nights, and while it was eerie to see the destruction that remained from the huge wildfire some years before, the scenery was nonetheless beautiful.

We moved on, completing the 128 rod portage, to Seagull Lake, and, after some light paddling, found two incredible sites on Miles Island for our final night on the water. Since it was still early in the day, we decided to check out the nearby Palisades. The 80-90 foot bluffs gave us a spectacular view of the surrounding area, and was a favorite spot for the photographers of the group. When we were ready to head back to the campsite, we were fortunate to see a mother moose and her two calves swimming from one island to another. This was certainly the highlight of our wildlife sightings, which also included numerous bald eagles, ducks, and loons. Later, the clouds that had blanketed the sky that day had started to break up in the early evening, which led to a spectacular sunset.

Our final day of paddling took us to our third and final portage near some waterfalls, and finally back to VCO. When we arrived, we found that our vehicle had already been repaired. We packed up our cars with things we would not need that night, and went to the lodge for a pizza party.

Our last night was spent in the same bunkhouse as our first night, and after an early wake up call, we were back on the road to Milwaukee. Everyone agreed that the trip had been a wonderful experience, and certainly took away memories that will last a lifetime. The staff members of VCO are some of the friendliest, most helpful people I have ever met, and I can't wait to come back for another trip in the future.

Name: Lukas
City: Milwaukee
State: WI
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

     The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been in the news lately.  They say, "Bad news is better than no news." but they also say, "No news is good news."  I don't understand or agree with either of these statements but the BWCA is in the news.

     Last Thursday night around 7pm a son left a campsite where he, his brother and his father were camping.  He paddled away from camp to go fishing for awhile but he never returned.  He wasn't wearing a life vest and maybe if he had he'd still be alive today.  We'll never know because since Thursday his body has sat at the bottom of Swan Lake in over 80 feet of water.  Recovery efforts have not been successful due to the location and weather.  I imagine they will be able to retrieve his body or it will eventually float to the surface.  But the life in his body is gone and no amount of time or effort to retrieve his body will bring it back.  Tonight it will be a full week since he sunk to the bottom of the wilderness lake.  Even if the life jacket wouldn't have saved his life it would have made recovering his body alot easier and it would have made things a little less painful for his family and loved ones.  Please wear your life vest, it only works if you wear it.

     On Monday a small fire on Gaskin Lake was reported by a group camping in the Boundary Waters.  It's a small fire on a peninsula that isn't expected to grow in size and the USFS is keeping an eye on it.  Similar to the small, cigar shaped fire back in 2007 that was expected to burn out into the wilderness never to be seen again.  Only Mother Nature had other ideas and that was the start of the Ham Lake Fire.  Structures were burned to the ground and people's homes and lives were disrupted and changed forever. 

     One person was responsible for the Ham Lake Fire.  An individual who was careless with his campfire.  Something many of us have been at one time or another.  Maybe we've thrown paper on a fire, left the fire from breakfast smoldering while going out fishing during the daytime or not made sure the coals were cool.  Then "Poof" that's the time a major wildfire starts and we're responsible.  It could happen to any of us and maybe the Gaskin Lake Fire was from a lightning strike, then again, maybe not.  Being responsible for a wildfire is a huge burden to bear and the person who started the Ham Lake Fire couldn't handle it and took his life.   Be careful with fire folks.

     I don't want to read about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the news unless it's a report of a great canoe camping trip.  I don't want to read about you in the newspaper unless it's because of some great achievement.  The BWCA is a great place let's keep things positive by using caution with fire and always wearing your life vest.

     The Voyageur Hudson Bay Expedition Crew are a group of over achievers.  It shouldn't be suprising that they have already paddled to Lac La Croix when their itinerary doesn't have them there until the 5th of June.  

     The paddling crew has planned for days they won't be able to paddle due to weather.  It's the wind in their face that is causing them the most trouble this canoe trip so far.  Today the winds are steady in the high teens with gusts up to 30 miles per hour out of the West and WNW.  That's the direction the Voyageur Crew is attempting to paddle and Lac La Croix is a large body of water that must have huge waves rolling today.
 
     Lac La Croix makes Saganaga look small and it's 8500 acres larger than Basswood in the BWCA.  It stretches 28 miles along the Minnesota/Ontario border and covers 34,070 acres and it's the largest of the Boundary Waters Lakes.
   
     Saganaga is a large BWCA lake and today our tow boat drivers saw what she can do in the wind.  It isn't a pretty sight unless you like waves coming over the sides of your boat or canoe.  The wind pushes water one way, the waves move another and islands divert the waves in yet another direction.  It's better to sit and wait for the waves to calm down rather than try to canoe a wilderness lake on a windy day.

More about Lac La Croix courtesy of the First Nation Website.

Our Community:

Lac La Croix which translated means “The Lake of the Cross” in the french language originated from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. However, to the Ojibway people, it is traditionally known as Zhingwaako Zaaga’igan meaning “Lake of the Pines”. Zhingwaako Zaaga’igan “Lake of the Pines”, is made in reference to the pines that surround the lake and are believed to provide protection to the community. To the Anishinabe people, the pine plays a significant role in the overall cultural practices, especially during times of harvesting fish and game for spring and fall feasts. This traditional process also includes honoring the spirits and the spiritual connection of Zhingwaako Zaaga’igan with expressions of gratitude and respect for the protection they provide.
Historically, the forests were once dense with a limitless amount of pine and the respected elders of the community considered the lake and it’s natural environment as sacred to their people. The Anishinabe people of Zhingwaako Zaaga’igan continue to be guided by the inherent cultural practices and values passed on through many generations. To this day, they continue to maintain a spiritual connection and belief in the preservation of the natural environment.
Lac La Croix First Nation is an Anishinabe community with a membership of 400+ people with approximately 300 persons residing in the community. it is located in Northwestern Ontario, approximately 95 km east of Fort Frances. Access to the community is by Flanders Road, an 80 km long all-weather road accessed by Highway 11, approximately 40 km west of Atikokan. The community is affiliated with Grand Council Treaty # 3 within Treaty # 3 territory.

Windy Morning Day 10 of Hudson Bay Expedition

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