troutologist Posted May 25, 2009 Report Posted May 25, 2009 (edited) Its taken a while to get this report together for a number of reasons, primarily the game of catch up required at work after shirking all responsibility for a while leading up to then the week of this trip. A number of years ago I decided that the provided 3 day weekend was insufficient to facilitate the type of trip I was looking for. Thus overtime all winter to accumulate days off; no holidays on a contract... Anyways the plan came together smoothly; the 2 man expeditionary unit would leave Wednesday morning, prior to the holiday weekend and scribe a loop deep into the bush north of superior. Saturday on the way back out we were due to meet the resupply party and enjoy a couple nights of a bit more laid back camping. The plan was voted so good an additional 4 campers jumped on board for the Saturday-Monday trip. Day 1--In South winds at 30-40kmph. Ya. Well there could have been a hurricane and it wasn’t stopping me. Trees were falling all over; saw at least 5 fall on the way to the first camp. The plan was to single carry the portages. This lasted the first one and numerous blowdowns and deep snow patches forced us to go through with packs and saws first to clear the way. We were the first people through here for the year and going was rough. 8 portages later and this is what we see. AV Setup Cooler beside the door Then the rain really started and kept up all night into the morning. Day 2 saw us getting a late start waiting for torrential downpours to abate and another long day of tripping into another lake. In the rain/snow/sun we managed to hit some fish. Got to the destination and found all the campsites were basically flooded. The normal tent spots were a few inches deep in water so we had a pretty good slope to deal with. Woke up a couple times at the bottom of the tent. Got camp set up and went for a fish in the persistent winds. Found success in a small bay. View from the campsite The two man party was strong that night with classic rock on the crankup radio and whiskey and lakewater flowing. Still at dawn we were up set to catch fish. The day turned HOT and bright, sunburns were handed out after lasts night's low of -3C. Again a few fish were caught and they seemed to be of better size... Got back to camp around 1 for lunch and to check CBC for the weather. Rain turning to snow (2-4") pushed by 60+km winds tonight. Well, packed’er up and head back to the relatively warm confines of the cabin. (Hoping no one moved in). Got some shots of the portage on the way out. It was flat and the walking was easy....after walking in during a rainstorm I definitely was eager to get out before the forecasted snow. First off cheers to DuPont and their making of Kevlar. All different parts of the same hill…it just kept going up…steeply Managed to fish on the way out and was rewarded!! The release.... Down to the bottom.... Crossing the lake towards our ideal homebase we see 2 canoes on the shores.....turns out the boys got out early (after a minor detour) and claimed us a warmish spot for the weekend. The weather really deteriorated for the next day and through the night. Fishing was nearly impossible with the winds, we spent a lot of time looking at this. The wind was whipping right into the building so we had to fortify the structure. After many dead trees were cut and bucked up, strong drink was served and with no chance of hitting the water supplies dwindled. Some point around midnight we were held up at stickpoint by this masked man demanding his nalgene be filled with vodka and lakewater. After a euchre tourney we retired to creaking beams and flapping roof tin. Overnight low got down around an estimated -10C with the windchill. The next day was passable and allowed us to get into some higher (elevation) lakes to catch a few fish. Interesting difference in colours versus the other specks we caught. The lakes are close together however this fish came from altitude... Out Packed up and cleaned up early and left to building winds....by the time we hit the take out waves were crashing hard. A sign of things to come…We battled high winds again through a long paddle and the crossing of the last big lake. Got shuttled to the truck and headed for the shower. It was an amazing trip to see some country. The weather-based change in plans forced us to cut back on fishing time but was worth it to be comfortable in the bad weather. On the plus side there were no bugs! Edited May 25, 2009 by troutologist
MJL Posted May 25, 2009 Report Posted May 25, 2009 Amazing report and pics! All that hard work getting into those lakes looks like it paid off. Beauty specks. One day I'll try my hand at one of those trips. Can't get a freezer more environmentally friendly than that Cooler beside the door Thanks for sharing
anders Posted May 25, 2009 Report Posted May 25, 2009 Glad to see you got in there! Thats opener for ya...what a weekend. Those are some nice specks you guys got though.
anders Posted May 25, 2009 Report Posted May 25, 2009 Glad to see you got in there! Thats opener for ya...what a weekend. Those are some nice specks you guys got though.
solopaddler Posted May 25, 2009 Report Posted May 25, 2009 Jay you were right, the colour difference between the fish was amazing. Beautiful country and the type of trip I can definitely relate to bud. It's always a joy to see pic's of the country you trip through... Cheers
highdrifter Posted May 25, 2009 Report Posted May 25, 2009 Great read!! Some brave souls in that bunch. You can clearly see just how vivid the colours are on them specks!! cheers HD
limeyangler Posted May 25, 2009 Report Posted May 25, 2009 Awesome job guys. 10/10 for braving the attrocious weather...opening weekend here we saw blizzards...hideous. Great pics BTW....nice specks too...one day i will get one of those.
limeyangler Posted May 25, 2009 Report Posted May 25, 2009 Awesome job guys. 10/10 for braving the attrocious weather...opening weekend here we saw blizzards...hideous. Great pics BTW....nice specks too...one day i will get one of those.
Leecher Posted May 26, 2009 Report Posted May 26, 2009 Truly an epic trip that you guys soon not forget :worthy: Excellent job in landing them beauty specks and the scenery shots are superb!!! Congratulations Thanks for sharing Leechman
Greencoachdog Posted May 26, 2009 Report Posted May 26, 2009 Excellent report and pics!!! Some very pretty fish too!!!
trapshooter Posted May 26, 2009 Report Posted May 26, 2009 Hardcore trip boys!! I always enjoy your reports and this one is no exception. Some beautiful country and great looking specs. Congrats all around.
Dara Posted May 26, 2009 Report Posted May 26, 2009 Nice trip, and fish. Specs have always been my favorite. Where did you head in?
Guest ThisPlaceSucks Posted May 26, 2009 Report Posted May 26, 2009 The only thing this trip was missing was Dr. Sal... I hope my unborn son appreciates!
Stern Rules Posted May 27, 2009 Report Posted May 27, 2009 My brother said that the brookies that are red like that are sea-run.
johnnyb Posted May 27, 2009 Report Posted May 27, 2009 Wow...very impressive country up there...awesome report! One day....one day....
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