Greetings,

Just returned from 3 cold and wet nights in the park - Cedar Lake, Petawawa River to Catfish, Burntroot, Robinson, Whiskeyjack and return via the Nipissing River.

A few notes for those planning a similar route:

Current extremely fast when paddling the pool (Petawawa) at south end of 2,345 m portage over to Narrowbag portage. Very easy to get swept down river so use extreme caution.

1,285 m portage from Burntroot north to Robinson has a major obstacle. A clever beaver built a dam over the wooden boardwalk section of the portage making passage extremely difficult and treacherous. It's like walking a tight rope. Plan on getting a bit wet.

Fishing was fair to good. Between us we caught 7 specks and 1 laker. We were also given a fishing survey at the permit office to record what lakes we caught our fish on.

Hopefully my trip log will follow in the coming weeks.

Regards,

Scott
Mississauga, Ontario

Too bad the weather was crappy for ya but really does it matter ?
I'm sure you had a great time,I'm heading up that way this weekend (well not quite that far just Big Trout)How were the bugs ?

Hi Goose,

Fortunately we didn't encounter any significant bug activity. Only a few strays on some of the portages, but I didn't get bit once. It's still a bit early I think.

Good luck on your trip to Big Trout. It'll be great!

Regards,

Scott

i actually am heading that way for the long weekend next weekend and we are doin the same route but camping on lynx or catfish. i was wondering if there are some sites that are better then others? how were the bugs bad at all?? how was the fishing where some better then others? scott i beleive that we have discussed over some emails and u gave me some great info soo if u have any more it would come in handy!

Hi Rob,

There are two campsites on Lynx. I prefer the one at the north end adjacent to the Luckless portage. Nice rock shore to fish from and water level drops off quickly. Expect to catch Lake Trout on Lynx as the Brookie fishing here is tough. Luckless to the north has good Lake Trout fishing, even though the fishing guide states it only has Brookies.

Try the Catfish narrows from Narrowbag and the Petawawa outflow at the south end of Catfish.

Bugs were non existant last weekend, however that could quickly change if the weather ever warms up.

Good luck!


Scott
Mississauga, Ontario

Scott
Sounds like a great trip! What did you think of the Nip around Nadine portage?
Looking forward to reading your triplog

hmmm...Whiskeyjack.....fantastic lake for specks and Robinson too right next door, and then on to Hayes and Plumb....real speck territory.

Yup, those were the days but I don't think I'll see these lakes again!

Bo

Hi TSM:

The Nipissing from the Nadine to Luckless portages reminded me of the Tim River with all the meandering. I was having flashbacks. Although we were with a strong current and the wind was at our backs so no complaints there. Travelling west on the Nipissing at this time will be a challenge with the strong current flow. Good luck on your trip, I believe this weekend?

Hi Bo:

I think it was too early for specks on Whiskeyjack last weekend. We fished it hard. Barely recognized much of the lake with the high water levels. Me thinks the action will heat up very soon.

Good luck to those heading in this weekend!


Regards,

Scott
Mississauga, Ontario

Scott
Yep....we leave Sunday for 6 nights! Looking forward to it. Haven't wet a line since early last summer.