We just booked our reservation today. Group of four with a Pickerel Lake EP in early June. Bring on the walleyes!

We've reserved our 10-day trip with August 30 entry date. Agnes is our entry lake via Prairie Portage. We want to explore further west, but still see lots of 2021 fire damage in trip report photos, and experienced significant fire damage last year, so will stay east again this year.

TZ

No trip to Quetico planned this year, but that may change. What is booked through is 13 nights in Killarney Provicial Park in August. It will be busy and buggy, but I'm going solo so that will be just fine.

We'll probably be going 2-3 times. I've been taking full advantage of the flexibility offered by retirement so we don't have permits yet.

Thinking about a Man Chain/Falls Chain/McEwen/Louisa loop. Also thinking about the Western edge of the park; I'd like to get back there, but like others I'm a little nervous about widow-makers and indecipherable portages in the burn area.

-Peter

I have a Carp Lake entry reserved for early August, planning a 15 night solo with my dog, to explore Man Chain, Falls Chain, Kawnipi and Agnes, likely with some side trips depending on energy levels and weather.

My annual trip to the Q is planned again for late May. We fish Saganagons with the same campsites, same group of guys, same menu plan... Man, are we stuck on a rut?

Late May guys trip thru PP.

Will take two or three more trips, though I may do my solo in WCPP this year. Much still TBD.

Entering at Pickerel on June 16th, exiting on the 23rd. Leaning toward a trip to McDougall, but also considering just staying around Buckingham / Rawn.

I’ve been staring at this on my computer for three months.

EmmaMorgan: "I have a Carp Lake entry reserved for early August, planning a 15 night solo with my dog, to explore Man Chain, Falls Chain, Kawnipi and Agnes, likely with some side trips depending on energy levels and weather. "

Man this is my dream. Once my little kids get older I plan on doing solos. Wife won’t let me while they are little. :-(

Flying in with group of four in late June. Eight nights, then paddling out through Pickerel. Where we end up flying in will depend on water levels.

Apparently they no longer allow fly-ins into Mack if the creek out of Clay is too low, so will see!

Doing my annual Q trip the second week of June (a hair later than preferred) up the man chain, falls chain, and back down McEwen creek to Louisa and out. One newbie. We’ll see how he does with all of the portages!

Going in at Nym Lake, last week of June. Heading to Pickerel Narrows for a couple days, then down to Rawn/Buckingham for a few days. Can't wait!

Hey Han Solo… welcome to the canoe board! We hope you register as a member (it’s free) and become a regular poster. I know you’re posting as a guest now, but when registering, please keep in mind that we have a longtime member who goes by HansSolo. Thanks, and happy paddling!

I have a permit for the day after Victoria Day, Pickerel Lake. It will be my first visit to Quetico. Looking forward.

First week of June-10 day solo. Pickerel Lake EP. Shuttle from French to Stanton Bay courtesy of Quetico North. B chain to Antoine to Scripture Island area, maybe heading north thru Jesse to Pickerel Narrows…….ahhhh decisions, decisions.

Three grizzled Q veterans entering Bottle second week of June, then another trip towards the end of July via Stanton Bay with newbies. Counting the days…

AdamX

bobbernumber3: "My annual trip to the Q is planned again for late May. We fish Saganagons with the same campsites, same group of guys, same menu plan... Man, are we stuck on a rut?"

Nothing wrong with auto-pilot!

My group is schedule for late July. Same route as last year too. Beaverhouse entry, Nym exit.

Crappiekillah: "First week of June-10 day solo. Pickerel Lake EP. Shuttle from French to Stanton Bay courtesy of Quetico North. B chain to Antoine to Scripture Island area, maybe heading north thru Jesse to Pickerel Narrows…….ahhhh decisions, decisions."

Great route! We did a very similar one a couple years ago.

Planning the cousins trip starting August 21 for our usual 10 day run. Started with a PMA two years ago and did my first trip to Quetico last year. Really like the less crowded feel there. When we came back down Knife lake last year, It was like we were Yosemite with people everywhere. That was after 8 days on seeing a total of about 10 people. Quite a difference
.
This year, we're heading to Agnes Lake, then loopIng counterclockwise thru Silence, Noon and Shade, or up further north to Hurlburt and down through Kahshahpiwi. Not sure yet as we've never been in that area. Any advice or recommendations are welcomed.

This time we're really not going to push, just relax explore and catch some fish. It's just going to be two of us this year and we're figuring out the watercraft. If we do the longer loop, it'll probably be a tandem.
If we stay on the shorter loop, we're thinking a more laid back trip with two solos. I would like to try out different boats and enjoy being in my own space, then we can fish independently if we want. It'll will be more to portage but we've been pretty much 2.5 to 3 portage packers so far.

The northern Agnes, Hurlburt, Kahshahpiwi route is much more rugged and remote. Some of my favorite parts of the park from what I’ve seen so far on my ten Q trips and five BWCA trips. We went through Reid, Woodside, Trant on our way from Agnes to Kahsh last year. No one else in sight, very good fishing. Rugged portages though for sure.

I'll be with a group of solo paddlers entering via Pickerel on June 20th (exiting on July 3rd) with 1 to 3 persons on several permits. Paddlers from Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Florida, Texas and Washington (state) will be coming and going during the time I'm out. I think I'm the only one in the group that has tripped with all of these guys. Should be fun.

Our campsites are often decorated in a pink flamingo motif if you have an interest in dropping in.

DD

Our group will be head in at Beaverhouse in early June and base camping on Quetico lake with possible day trips to Kasakokwog and Cirrus.

Two trips planned, one with wife and daughter later in the summer through Prairie Portage and another with my long-time paddling buddy out of Cache Bay.

I try not to think about either trip because I get so excited it's hard to hold another thought in my head. :)

Kiporby and SunCatcher... two solo boats headed in May 18 for ten days.

Nym, Batchewaung, Maria, Jesse, Elizabeth, work our way to Camel and Cutty Creek towards Montgomery, back out to Russell, then work way northeast out at Nym. Should be good Fun.

SunCatcher

May 18th to Bottle Portage.
June 18th to Stanton Bay.

Falls Chain to Kawnipi June 10th exiting June 16 (Group of 6)

My group of four will be doing the same route as last year but a week earlier.
June 6th, start at Cache Bay...then up the Falls Chain...camp on Sydney Lake
then to Kawnipi for three nights, then to McEwan for two nights and the last night on Sagnagons. Seven nights.

Wanted to go a week earlier to see how it changes the fishing, but with the really early ice out, it might be the same this year?!?!?! Not sure.

Also, hoping no fire ban this year like last year, but I know things have been dry so we will see what happens the last two weeks of May.

Just got back. Three nights at Sue Falls. Did I win??!! lol

Aslowhand: "I have a permit for the day after Victoria Day, Pickerel Lake. It will be my first visit to Quetico. Looking forward."

We will just miss you. the wife and i leave on that monday. we will be there 5 nights before that. enjoy your first trip !!

Beaverhouse June 30th for 15 days. Big loop through Southwest. Thinking though Prairie Portage, Man Chain, Falls Chain, Kawnipi. Over to Baird Camel. Up and out through Lonely and exit at Nym. Would be over 200 miles. Trying to link as many areas as possible that we haven’t been to or through yet.

Ryan

Entering June 8. Just doing Cirrus and Quetico. Taking an easy trip this Spring as I tore an ACL and developed a hernia over the winter. This getting old is tough.

bobbernumber3: "My annual trip to the Q is planned again for late May. We fish Saganagons with the same campsites, same group of guys, same menu plan... Man, are we stuck on a rut?"

Magic Paddler and I might just pass by your camp on our way to Mack via Ross on May 25th.

Last year was my first trip to Quetico and we did the Bottle River to McAree loop through Argo-Darky. This year it's just my 13 year old kid and me. We're going through Prairie Portage on June 6 and would like to fish on Basswood's North Bay and Agnes. We'll probably loop through either the S chain or take the less traveled path through Jeff lake.

portagedog09: "

bobbernumber3: "My annual trip to the Q is planned again for late May. We fish Saganagons with the same campsites, same group of guys, same menu plan... Man, are we stuck on a rut?"

Magic Paddler and I might just pass by your camp on our way to Mack via Ross on May 25th."

I know guys know this, but that 240 rod portage out of Ross into Cullen is a long one. I had to cut my way through there a couple of years back. Pretty area. Saw a cow moose and her calf on the way into Ross early one morning. Not many folks in that area, but the First Nations have a few motorboats at the put-ins.

cburton103: "Doing my annual Q trip the second week of June (a hair later than preferred) up the man chain, falls chain, and back down McEwen creek to Louisa and out. One newbie. We’ll see how he does with all of the portages!"

Sounds awesome. How many days do you allow for this route?

apk: "

cburton103: "Doing my annual Q trip the second week of June (a hair later than preferred) up the man chain, falls chain, and back down McEwen creek to Louisa and out. One newbie. We’ll see how he does with all of the portages!"

Sounds awesome. How many days do you allow for this route?"

We'll have 8 days on the water. Planning on three layover days (we usually fish pretty hard these days) and five travel days. We portage very efficiently - single portaging with efficient load and unload times. We're average at best for paddling speed. But after the first travel day into This Man, there will be quite a number of portages per day afterwards. We'll have one newbie along, so if things aren't working quite right travel wise we can head back through Lilypad, Jasper, Ottertrack and back through Emerald and Carp.

Even though there are more similarities than dissimilarities from one lake to the other up there, I still like to try to see a good number of new lakes most trips. The Man Chain and McEwen to Louisa will all be new water for me and my group this year.

Thanks cburton103, was contemplating this route myself but I'm working with fewer days this year and double portaging, so probably too ambitious!

portagedog09: "

bobbernumber3: "My annual trip to the Q is planned again for late May. We fish Saganagons with the same campsites, same group of guys, same menu plan... Man, are we stuck on a rut?"

Magic Paddler and I might just pass by your camp on our way to Mack via Ross on May 25th."

You might pass our campsite, but we won't be on it till the next day. We enter on May 26th and target the Bonsai site or area.

I have met up with other members on occasion... sorry to miss you.

HighnDry: "

portagedog09: "

bobbernumber3: "My annual trip to the Q is planned again for late May. We fish Saganagons with the same campsites, same group of guys, same menu plan... Man, are we stuck on a rut?"

Magic Paddler and I might just pass by your camp on our way to Mack via Ross on May 25th."

I know guys know this, but that 240 rod portage out of Ross into Cullen is a long one. I had to cut my way through there a couple of years back. Pretty area. Saw a cow moose and her calf on the way into Ross early one morning. Not many folks in that area, but the First Nations have a few motorboats at the put-ins."

Oh boy! I have a partner who always wanted to go early, ahead of our group. So I suggested 4 extra days and a trip to Mack. The Ross-Cullen portage was a show-stopper for him! I guess he is getting weak-in-the-poop. But we always take Dickie's Portage (1.3 miles) on our way out...

apk: "Thanks cburton103, was contemplating this route myself but I'm working with fewer days this year and double portaging, so probably too ambitious!"

Sure thing! I've heard great things about the route. I always like getting into more remote areas in the park, and it sounds like this should fit the bill. I would imagine four days on this route would be about the minimum required for all but the hardest travelers. A week plus sounds about right to spend some time fishing and smelling the roses.

cburton103: "

apk: "Thanks cburton103, was contemplating this route myself but I'm working with fewer days this year and double portaging, so probably too ambitious!"

Sure thing! I've heard great things about the route. I always like getting into more remote areas in the park, and it sounds like this should fit the bill. I would imagine four days on this route would be about the minimum required for all but the hardest travelers. A week plus sounds about right to spend some time fishing and smelling the roses."

Yeah, I have five days for it in the fall... we _could_ do it. But my trip partner will be new to it and also I do like to have room for a layover day or two for relaxation or weather. We'll keep it in our back pocket if we are making good time.

Mid-June, I'll be leading a 7-day family trip in honor of my father who passed at the age of 86 back in October. We are going back to the same place as was his last trip in 2016. The Batchewaung Lake outpost cabin offered by Canoe Canada. My first cousin, his 3 kids, son 13- and 17-year-old twin brother and sister and her friend. Also, my second cousin. All first timers except me and my first cousin. We have both tripped and fished Quetico many times with my father over the years. None of the others have done anything close to this and never fished before. I will be providing the newbies with appropriate/capable rods, reels and equipment to help them catch and land fish.
I owe my reverence for this amazing place to Baesley Dahlstrom. I am truly fortunate and blessed to be his son. One of my favorite things is sharing this place with new people hoping they will find the same inner peace that I find when I'm there.

Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations to help the first timers fishing success and enjoyment?

I have a 13 day trip planned in the near future! Going thru PP to the heart of Quetico, base camp for about a week and then work our way back.

XYpaddler: "Mid-June, I'll be leading a 7-day family trip in honor of my father who passed at the age of 86 back in October. We are going back to the same place as was his last trip in 2016. The Batchewaung Lake outpost cabin offered by Canoe Canada. My first cousin, his 3 kids, son 13- and 17-year-old twin brother and sister and her friend. Also, my second cousin. All first timers except me and my first cousin. We have both tripped and fished Quetico many times with my father over the years. None of the others have done anything close to this and never fished before. I will be providing the newbies with appropriate/capable rods, reels and equipment to help them catch and land fish.
I owe my reverence for this amazing place to Baesley Dahlstrom. I am truly fortunate and blessed to be his son. One of my favorite things is sharing this place with new people hoping they will find the same inner peace that I find when I'm there.


Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations to help the first timers fishing success and enjoyment?



"

sounds like a great trip with some personal meaning. enjoy.

for first time fishing....and i am probably the last person to ask.....i would say try to target the easiest to catch. in my opinion that would be pike and smallmouth. especially when you cannot use any bait. both should be pretty easy to find in that area and both put up a great fight. nothing worse than going out fishing for the first time and spending hours to end up with nothing.

HighnDry: "

portagedog09: "

bobbernumber3: "My annual trip to the Q is planned again for late May. We fish Saganagons with the same campsites, same group of guys, same menu plan... Man, are we stuck on a rut?"

Magic Paddler and I might just pass by your camp on our way to Mack via Ross on May 25th."

I know guys know this, but that 240 rod portage out of Ross into Cullen is a long one. I had to cut my way through there a couple of years back. Pretty area. Saw a cow moose and her calf on the way into Ross early one morning. Not many folks in that area, but the First Nations have a few motorboats at the put-ins."

Well.....we're not taking the portages.....should be a heck of a story if we make it! :D

pd

That sounds like fun!

XYpaddler: "Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations to help the first timers fishing success and enjoyment? "

Sounds like a great family and remembrance trip!

I think paddletail soft plastics on 1/8 oz jigs are a great choice. Easy to cast, easy to fish, and much easier to remove a single hook than a treble hook or two.

I like the Zman Minnowz. A bit harder to put on a jig, but they’re incredibly durable. Any color will do, but something lighter in color is usually my preference.

And don’t forget Zulu rigs! So much fun to fish, and it’s a particularly easy method for newbies. Props to Quetico Mike for popularizing this method!

Headed in Beaverhouse in mid-June headed towards Jean then backtrack out. 10th trip into Q, first trip in that entry. Looking forward to it!

Prairie Portage up through Agnes June 8th. Haven’t been the Ely side since 1991. Dad, Brother and a 18 year old complete newbie. The young man has never fished before so he is in for a treat! We will put him on some serious fish. First time back to Q since 2011 since our 2020 trip got wiped out. Is it June yet?

BergieT: "Headed in Beaverhouse in mid-June headed towards Jean then backtrack out. 10th trip into Q, first trip in that entry. Looking forward to it!"

You'll love it. Gone into Q through the Beaverhouse entry probably 30 times. You can't miss the signs, but you go ten miles south of Hwy 11 on gravel, then turn left (another can't-miss sign) and it's four more miles to the unloading and parking area. A flat 100 rod portage to the water.

Are you planning to stay overnight in Atikokan the night before going into the park? If you can be there by 3:30 or so, you could pick up your permit at the Atikokan ranger station so you wouldn't have to paddle to the BH ranger station. That would allow you to paddle straight to the portage around the waterfalls into the Quetico River / Quetico Lake so you could be on your way to Jean. (Just my unsolicited suggestion...).

portagedog09: "

bobbernumber3: "My annual trip to the Q is planned again for late May. We fish Saganagons with the same campsites, same group of guys, same menu plan... Man, are we stuck on a rut?"

Magic Paddler and I might just pass by your camp on our way to Mack via Ross on May 25th."

Can you report back on what Mack lake fishing is like for you, haven't been there that early, curious.

campnfish: "

portagedog09: "

bobbernumber3: "My annual trip to the Q is planned again for late May. We fish Saganagons with the same campsites, same group of guys, same menu plan... Man, are we stuck on a rut?"

Magic Paddler and I might just pass by your camp on our way to Mack via Ross on May 25th."

Can you report back on what Mack lake fishing is like for you, haven't been there that early, curious."

I’ll give you an older report from the last day of May and first day of June 2019 on Mack Lake. The water was still pretty cold that year, and we even had frost in camp our first morning on Mack. We caught walleye in about 5-10 FOW and smallies were pre spawn. We caught better sized smallies than walleye, although we caught good numbers of both.

CNF,

I'll try to remember to post an update. However, we were up on Mack last year at the same time, late May/early June. It was my first time to Mack. It got unseasonably hot May 28-first week of June, like into the 80's for highs. It's every bit the walleye lake and we caught lots. They were shallow, primarily in 2-16 feet of water and we were mostly trolling crankbaits or jigs, some casting, no jigging. Even midday was good fishing. We circled the bay south of the pinch point to the northeast part of the late for about two hours and caught about two dozen walleye each, maybe more. They were mostly in the 20-24" range and we were having a challenge catching eater size fish in the 16-20" range. A few bass and pike, but mostly we caught walleye. There were lots of other folks on the lake and we had a time finding a camp, but the island in that NE bay was nice. That NE bay is really shallow for such a big bay, mostly 5-8 feet deep. Didn't think we'd catch walleye there, but we did - mostly while dragging a line while going to/from the lower part of the lake. Powell Lake Outfitters has access to the lake from the east and we saw plenty of aluminum canoes with PLO on the bow.

pd

I’ve got a Kahshahpiwi permit for end of August. I’m hoping to do a 9 night loop solo with my dog. Route will be determined if dog is behaving appropriately.

I haven’t been on a trip since 2021 and the last time I was in Quetico was 2019. I ready to go!

In by myself at Beaverhouse early-ish June!

Been wanting to get back over to Jean Lake from there, but an early May injury to my foot might set that back to a long tour all around Quetico Lake (which is itself no sharp stick in the eye).

Can't wait to kick back listening to loons (and mosquitoes) and breathe in that beautiful piney air (mixed with bug spray).

Well, my group solo partners leave this Friday for a Nym/Batch entry, down to Camel, Baird, Montgomery, back through poets chain. I have some responsibilities at home and will not get my Quetico fix this year....sigh.

My older son and I will be in Quetico for 11 days in July. Put in on Moose Chain, head to Burt area, Kawnipi, McKenzie, Mack, and back via the Man Chain.

I will be doing my normal three week trip in late August commencing in Beaverhouse going south as far as Kawnipi and then back north to Nym. My two concerns are the predicted low water levels and the observation of several burnt out areas.

We are headed up in three weeks. 10-day trip entering at Beaverhouse, on to Badwater, a few days on Bent Pine, Sturgeon, and then we will float the Maligne and take out at LLC. Can't wait!