solopaddler

Off the top of my head, I think it's around 22km's. As far as navigating it blind for the first time it can be done, but you better make darn sure you have really good maps and you have the guys at Hartley Bay go over in detail exactly how to get down. In the past I've seen guys with big console boats navigate up and down those narrow chutes, but you're much better off with a tiller...Much more direct and instant response when sharp turns are required. Would also mention that going back upstream, slowly and under control is MUCH easier than hurltling downstream.... If you can make it down to the Cross Channel you're golden.... Bear in mind as mentioned you don't have to go down there to catch lots of fish and have a great trip...It's pretty nice upstream as well. BTW, if you do make it down to the delta of the Bad and camp there, there's a really interesting phenomenon that occurs down there in late June to early July. Every evening at dusk millions of shad move in from Georgian Bay (I guess to spawn?), and the entire river comes alive with fish of every species going on a frenzy. It's really cool...

Ask 20 different anglers that question and you'll get 20 different answers. I like power pro for certain applications like deep (30' plus) vertical jigging, and also have it spooled on all my musky/pike baitcasters.. But for all around light tackle spin fishing I'm a big fan of 6 and 8lb Stren Magnathin. Just love that line...

brookieman is right, there's tons up there. A buddy was bitten by one on a camping trip up there a few years back. To answer your question, I feel pretty much contrary to what everyone else who responded said, as I much prefer the lower French downstream from 69. Can't go wrong with French River Lodge located in Ox bay where the French and Pickeral rivers converge. http://www.frenchriverlodge.com/ Also good is Bears Den a little further downstream. http://www.bearsdenlodge.com/ Would also like to mention, the reason I prefer the lower to the upper. Via the lower river you can access the Bad River and it's delta at Georgian Bay (after navigating some rapids ). Nothing, and I mean nothing in the entire French system can top the fishing and the scenery in the Bad River Delta... Head and shoulders above everywhere else, and I've fished it all....

Sounds like an amazing trip! Just out of curiosity, do any of you guys know if you can get a connection to Red Lake flying out of Pearson or Hamilton? I know you guys drove, but just thought maybe you'd looked into it.... cheers, Mike

Sounds incredible, looking forward to the pictures!

So....you like to target humans, preferably females? Sounds a little Hannibal Lecterish!

I target everything... Top 4 in no particular order would be steelhead, brook trout, walleye and pike.

Very sorry to hear this, prayer sent.

Shipped to your door in less than week..... http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...&hasJS=true OR http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...&hasJS=true OR http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...&hasJS=true

Totally agree .

Great report TJ, your little piece of paradise is coming along nicely! Sleeping outside by the fire I guess the bugs weren't too bad? (BTW, your daughter Jaden looks like a young Jodie Foster. She's a beauty )

Congrat's KW that's a big move, hope everything works out for you! Just to add to the spam , here's a shot of the beach at Manor Park, looks pretty good to me....

That's a pretty decent pike for Cooch, WTG!

The bigger banana bait is a Brook's Jointed Reefer I believe. I still have a couple that I use, and at times they're deadly for walleye. The Red-Eye Wiggler spoons are still a mainstay for pike....

That's great news, congrat's!

Heckuva fish, well done!

Great report and pictures Jen, the shorelunch looks great! Good thing you were lucky enough to find shelter when that storm hit...

Great report, looks like a lot of fun!

Wow, nice fish, great report!

Yep, I agree . Congrats to Gillian for her first carp, and to the both of you for the upcoming birth of your child.

That's great to see. Both the eagle and you getting out with your nephew... cheers, Mike

She's a beauty, congrat's!

Nice Steve! For someone who says he's not a trout fisherman you seem to have a knack .

Sorry? Man that was great, thanks!

That's gotta be at least 10lb's maybe more, that's amazing!