singingdog Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 For those of you that spend time in the park; any guesses on the black fly conditions in early June. Friend is planning a trip (front country) and wonders what it will be like.
vance Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 It all depends on how soon the temps get hot,if it is a cool spring watch out.Last year it was bad as the cool weather led to the black flies and mosquitoes being out at the same time. vance
Craigson Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 My guess would b TERRIBLE. I highly suggest bug nets and bug jackets. By mid/late May as the days get warmer the black flies will be in full force. Usually right through till late June.
Sinker Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 Last summer we had black flies in freakin august. You never know with those buggers!! Be prepared is all you can do. S.
woodenboater Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 (edited) I would go on the assumption black flies will be there to welcome you. followed immediately by mosquitoes, then deer flies. still, I would take them over mosquitoes and deer flies. Edited March 19, 2015 by woodenboater
Garfisher Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 Early June is the "heat" of the blackflies almost everywhere in Algonquin (at least it was the past two years and this year looks no different). The dirty little buggers were thick until July in some parts. Definitely go with bug jackets/nets or bug spray, if not you WILL (not exaggerating haha) have close to hundreds of blackflies on you biting/looking to bite. Bug spray/bug netting means you'll have hundreds on you but not biting haha. P.S. if the blackflies have slowed down by then, the mosquitoes will be there in high numbers
akaShag Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 As others have mentioned, there will be black flies, which are a bloody nuisance, and black BEARS, whose bites are an order of magnitude worse. So you need to be prepared for both! I recall one canoe trip in Algonquin where we had to eat in the tent because every time we opened our mouths we would swallow a dozen black flies. But of course eating in the tent is a really stupid idea, because it might leave food odours in the tent, which might ring the dinner bell for the bears........... I have two friends who use the Thermacell repellents in the spring for turkey hunting, and both say the devices work well. They might be a good idea to use whilst eating, but of course one would not be running a Thermacell 24/7............ It's Algonquin, and black flies are part of the experience! Doug
AKRISONER Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 (edited) in PAB we had black flies nearly the entire summer, in early June you can expect it to be a complete gongshow as that is the absolute peak of black fly season. Typically it kicks up around the may 24 and then that first week in June is almost unbearable, lots of bug dope and a bug net hat are pretty much a necessity if you hope to not be breathing in the buggers through your nose and having them go in your ears constantly. Not to mention crawling into your pants and biting you on your private parts (its happened and its not fun) Luckily if you are up there getting bit every year you gain a tolerance and the bites dont blow up as bad, but if your buddy is not a regular he can expect 100 large itchy welts covering his entire body from just one weekend. Edited March 19, 2015 by AKRISONER
Shloim Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 I'm allergic and hate the buggers but love the woods. Reactin in your system, start a day early and I use both a bug jacket and spray to avoid getting eaten. Works!
Reel Man Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 Going for lakers in the first week of May. With luck sounds like we might get in and out before the blackflies take over! Might be brisk still but I'll take that over 100 itchy welts all over!
akaShag Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 back to Reel Man, do you plan to be ice fishing? Doug
Musky or Specks Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 Early June is the best time for Brook trout fishing but the worst time for black flies. Even with bug jackets and every known repellent in the universe After a week I still come out with hundreds of bites. Bring an enclosed shelter for cooking/eating This is what I use so I don't have to woory about ingesting extra protein or food smells in my sleeping area. http://www.tentcityoutfitters.com/p/566/eureka-parawing-vcs-13-mesh-room Worst of the black flies means= Best fishing /no crowds
4x4bassin Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 Exactly what Musky or Specks said ! First week of June is the worst time for biting bugs in the backcountry from my experience . If they are going to enjoy the camping/sights and portaging experience of Algonquin I would be going another time , if there fishing for brook trout that is the best time but you will get killed by the bugs and if its lakers you are after then the first two weeks of May are prime . Thermacells , 100% Deet and Permethrin are in my arsenal for all spring trips into the backcountry .
TJQ Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 Ya Junes not a happy month for bugs... ive seen it go from nothing to unbearable in 24 hours on the may long weekend.
akaShag Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 Worst I ever experienced, probably early June up that way, I was out on the water and I had to make a shoreline stop, right now. Paddled ashore, got out, dropped my pants, and immediately was attacked savagely and, I might add, rudely. I pulled up my pants, leaped back aboard, paddled back out onto the lake and decided I would rather dirty my drawers than have a thousand bites on tender parts..........
captpierre Posted March 19, 2015 Report Posted March 19, 2015 Crazy statistic on Algonquin Park You can camp year round. Get this. The least camping month, year round happens in JUNE!!!
singingdog Posted March 19, 2015 Author Report Posted March 19, 2015 Thanks all. I figured that, but wanted to get first-hand info.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now