I'm planning my 1st time trip to Algonquin park with my son. This is his graduation gift. We plan on going the last week of June for 8-days. Here is our proposed route.
Day 1 we will be getting a afternoon start
Access #3, hambone, butt to queer.
Day2 Tim river to shippagew or longer lake
Day3-4 to Burntroot plus side trips
Day5-6 to Big trout plus side trips
Day7 white trout, grassy, mcintosh, timberwolf
Day8 misty, petawana river, daisy, hambone to access#3
Any suggestions on this route? Any spots on this route or day trips we should look at. Is it worthwhile doing the Tim? We are also new to the trout fishing. Any suggestions where to fish or maybe what lures to use. We hope to get a little fishing in each day if possible.
Thanks

I'm sure he will have a blast! What a great grad gift

It appears you have consulted an OLD canoe routes map -- Butt Lake is now called Ralph Bice Lake. You may need to know this when searching for a portage sign into Butt Lake.

Yeah I downloaded that free PDF map of Algonquin park and it must be an older one. I ordered the maps from Freinds of the Algonquin last week.

While you wait for the Friends' map to arrive....

http://homepage.mac.com/canoecamping/map/index.html




Barbara

Nice route, Russ. I favor loops like this one where you explore many lakes. I have been down the first half of your Tim route once, and it was frustrating. Maybe it was the extremely shallow water in spots, or my wife's inability to tell the difference between right and left...
Either way, we were glad to head off on the portage heading towards Misty Lake (via a couple smaller lakes). But that was a month later than your trip is planned for.
My final response is to go for it! With this year's snowfall, chances are the water level will be higher than what I experienced back in 2000.

Now, Rory, don't you communicate with your wife when you're in the canoe?


NO, your OTHER left!!!!



oy, if i only had a dime for every time I heard that. LOL




Barbara

Russ, I have not been to that part of the park but for your fishing, the trout will be a little deeper but with your timing you should be able to fish for bass, walleye and pike with no problem. Check the fishing regs out.

if you want trout you will need to get down roughly 20-40 ft. maybe some jig's and plastic grubs will help you and you can use them for bass and walleye as well. Good luck on our trip, my first with my Son was when he was 13 and that was 18 years ago and counting and still look forward to every year, already talking about this years trip last weekend...

I've been doing some web surfing on the fishing. Looks like bass comes in the last weekend we are there. I would like to catch some trout. I have to re-think my tackle box to pack light and bring lures the fish want. My son wants to have fresh fish everyday. I told him you can't plan on it but it would be a bonus. I think I'm more exited about going than he is. He wants to get away from the crowds and feel like he is the only one the lake or river.

Russ,

Looks like a fantastic gift for both of you. Best lure in the world? Nightcrawlers. I'd take a dozen or two in and look for deeper holes or rapids in the creeks or where smaller (cooler) streams feed in. I've heard the site at the rapids in Longer Lake is nice and I'd recommend the first island site in Redpine Bay - it's got a great layout and is comfortable and scenic. Although I've never paddled down it, the tim river always elicits the response of endless winding but, with an early start you should be able to make it through in one day. There are bundles of sites on Big Trout so give yourself ample time to paddle in and check a few out before picking the one that's just right for sun, wind, swimming, or whatever is your fancy.

There are plenty of triplogs accessible from the homepage of this site that cover these lakes to one degree or another so I'd recommend thumbing through for some good insight. As far as real lure selection, a variety of spinners and spoons will work as well as some deeper running stickbaits (such as Rapala) can produce fish as well. One rule of thumb that we've found is that the early morning and evening hours are the most productive. For this reason, we make our largest meal in the middle of the day while traveling (just pop into an empty campsite and cook up a full meal while the fishing's slow). This is also a great way to ensure that you've got survival gear with you at all times: fire making tools, food, small tarp, etc. should the weather turn bad and strand you for a short while.

Enjoy and post pictures by the barrelfull upon your return!

Hi Russ, it is a good thing to be bringing your son for a beautiful trip to Algonquin.

I did travel from #3 to Burntroot L. via the Tim R. and the longest part is the Tim R. itself, it has many, many meanders, I would say that the ratio at times is 3 to 1.

The distance you see on the map from the Queer L. portage is actually 2.5 times longer, making it to Shippagew L. is a full day by itself. If you get a late start and do double portages, you will be in for a very long day.

Anyways, it's all good! Have fun and do not forget your Muskol!

Thanks for all the replies. I've been doing a lot of research and reading. I figure I have a couple months to work out the final details and equipment I'm packing. But please keep all the imput or sugestions coming. If this route is good I have to book my campsites. Is there a real threat of having the campsites booked at the lakes for this time of year in late june? Where I was planning on renting the canoe they didn't seem like it was urgent to book my campsites yet.

Russ, the only lakes that I would worry about are Shippagew and Longer. They only have a few campsites each, so it's much easier for one to be booked up than, say, Big Trout. It only takes a few groups to fill up one of those smaller lakes. On the other hand, they are far enough away from any access points that it is not likely they will fill up on any given day. I have had to go with a second-choice lake before. It can be a minor inconvenience if there is another lake with sites nearby. It can be a major hassle if you have to change a big part of your planned route. Call tomorrow!

I will call monday and reserve my lakes. Getting warmer here today I'm getting excited

Reserved all my camping spots today. Ordered some barrels the other day. Still looking for what fishing tackle to bring along.

Unfortunately I'm not planning on any AP visits this year so I'll miss out on all the fun steps...next is fishing licenses, huh? Go conservation...it's cheaper too. Think I'll go rummage around in my camping gear and do a little spring cleaning until the pain passes!

Hey RussS,

That section of the Tim R, especially the last 1/2 before Shippagew has some nice holes for brookies. Cold springs + influx tributaries hold them in tight pockets/concentrations that time of year in the river. So have the bowman cast forward towards all the river bends, seepage areas and the stern guy cast towards banks and behind the boat. Shippagew lake is shallow and warm, not good Brk trout habitat so I'd be making my way to Longer fairly soon after leaving the Tim R.
Bring your 4 wt fly rod if u have one, otherwise UL-L action spinning gear coupled with 1/16 - 1/8 ounce spinners (rooster tails/panther martin/mepps), #3-5 floating raps, small EGB's + other little spoons in various natural and gawdy color patterns will be fine for brookies. Trout aren't finicky, they are easy to catch - the trick is to find them. You'll also find Brook Trout in a number of the lakes on your trip too. Long line trolling for them with the lures id'ed above (or your own fave Brk Trout lures) should catch a few on your way through lakes.

Late June the lakers may still make late-evening/early morning forays into the shallow sections close to deep (40+') water. So you'll likely hit a few of these long-line trolling your fave laker lure (e.g. larger stick baits) during these times + L or M-L action spinning/baitcast rod. Otherwise during the day they'll be down below the 35' foot mark (thermoc) so you'll have to use a different strategy (e.g jigging with spoons or white bucktails/plastics, downriging with flutter spoons/raps, trolling deep-diving cranksbaits, etc).

Not a good idea to base your trip menu on a fish meal every nite, unless your willing to eat any kind of fish (e.g. fallfish, perch), and even then you never know (weather, lost/broken fishing gear, fish gods not kind, etc). Side on the cautious end and plan for every 3rd nite&breakfeast for fish.

There are no walleye or pike along any of the lakes/rivers you are navigating on that trip. As for smallies, none in any of the lakes you're staying on for days 1-4 or 8, not sure about the others as I either haven't fished them or haven't paddled them.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the fishing tips. My son was just looking at a new rod and reel for this trip. Our sport show opens in a week or two so we figured we might see what they have there. I have to pick up trout lures. so all tips are helpful. We won't be planning our meals around fish but if we catch some that would be a nice bonus for the frying pan. We have never fished for or caught any trout so it should be fun. We are both looking forward to the trip. We are working some on our menu and meal planning.

After doing more reading on the web. I'm worried that My 1st day plans my be to ambitious. My plan was to start my 1st day here in Ohio at 4:00 am and drive to magnetowen. I'm estimating I should be there around 2:00pm or a little later. My 1st night will be on Queer. Some people have said 2-2.5 hours travel. Is this doable in the afternoon with possible winds. My other idea might be to try and leave earlier or the night before. what's your thoughts on this

When we were younger we used to get up at 2am and try to be on the water by 7. We're about 4-5 hours away. I now find it more civilized to head up the afternoon before and grab a cheap hotel, perhaps dinner, for a good night's sleep and breakfast in the a.m. We keep any of our fresh food frozen in a cooler overnight. We're on the water at the same time but have more stamina and energy to cover more ground the first day without being exhausted when we arrive at our destination. That's my choice.

2 to 2.5 seems about right to me. If it is not windy you will be fine. I have been wind bound on Bice before but have been there when it is like glass. You will have a great time.

Russ,
From where I live I also have to drive 11 hours to the park. I usually start driving the night before and sleep for 2-3 hours in the car on my way in. This way I have few spare hours for road emergencies, like a gridlock at the border crossing. I get on the water by 9-10am and plan an easy first day, so I can get all the sleep I need in my tent.
Sergey

Maybe it's just me, but being stuck in a vehicle for that long just knocks the stuffing out of me.

If I was to do it, I would arrive the night before, and get a cheap hotel room in Huntsville. ("Cheap" being a relative term. LOL )

Or setup the tent in the jump-off campsite at Magnetawan access point.




Barbara

I've thought about leaving earlier since I was worried about a unexpected delay on the drive up. I was planning on getting a hotel on the last day after we leave the park to get a good shower and shave before we drive home. But on the way into the park I was trying to cut cost and eliminate a hotel stay. I might think about driving up the night before and catching some sleep where ever I can, won't be the 1st time I've done that. Can you just pitch a tent at the magnetowen access point or do you have to pay to camp?

Yes, you will still need to get a permit. You will be camping within Algonquin Park boundaries.

You would have to drive back to Kearney to get your permits for the rest of the trip, any way. And it would be far easier to just push off and start the trip, rather than turn around and go back to town.

Kearney to Magnetawan access point is probably a one hour drive, one way.

The one good thing at this time of year is that it is still light out until 8:30.


I swear, if I ever win the lottery, I'm going to open a hostel/camping spot with showers in Kearney.



Barbara

How is the drive from kerney to magnetowen? We will be driving my sons car not my big 4x4. Is it OK for cars. The Canoe will be waiting for us at the access point.

The road is paved up to where you turn onto Forestry Tower Road. Forestry Tower Road is a fantastic, wide, gravelled, well-maintained road. When you come to the fork where you turn to Magnetawan, then it might get interesting.

We've driven my '86 Cutlass to the Magnetawan access point. So, no problem with a regular car. It's mostly a pain if you are there after the grader has gone through. The grader tends to turn up big rocks, which can punch a hole in your catalytic converter. (How do I know that, you ask? No, it wasn't me that let the tire catch the edge of the rock....)

So, it's not really a big deal if you pay attention and slow down when you need to. Be on the look out for atv's and other vehicles coming the other way.



Barbara

Thanks Barbara. My son's car is a WV jetta which sits pretty low compared to your cutlass. As long as there is not big boulders and mud puddles I think we should be fine then. So the worst part of the road is the last little bit?

I drove that route last July in my Cougar (a fairly low car). I made it in no problem, but I did have to go very slowly near the end of the drive. There are definately some very rough spots along the road, and like Barbara said, if you go after it is plowed (as I did going out) there are lots of loose rocks.

Not the worst access I've been to though, but definately a slow driving one.

Hope this helps.

Jeff P
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/

Haha! I drove to Northern Wilderness Outfitters on Kawawaymog L in a Jetta. OK going in, but had trouble on one of the hills on the way out (too steep!). If I could do that in a Jetta, you will have no problem. That is, unless the newer Jettas are MUCH lower than the 95s.

Hi Russ, the only part of your route I have been on is your last day (misty to access #3). Misty has a great campsite on the east end of the lake in a little bay just before the dam. As far as fishing on your last day I wouldn't spend to much time fishing misty, we had no luck and I seem to remember a lot of people on here saying the same, but Daisy has decent fishing. Sounds like a great trip.

Hey thanks everybody for all the insight. My son and I are pretty excited for the trip. Trying to finalize all our gear and food items plus keep the weight down. My hopes are to single portage everything. 1-person will carry the canoe plus a pack with the sleeping pads, tent and tarp which is at 19lbs total. The other person will carry 2-30L barrels I rigged up to a lightweight alum frame sitting sideways plus the sleeping bags in a waterbag on top of the barrels. I weighed the barrels mounted on the pack filled with most of our food and gear at 42lbs plus the sleeping bags My plan is to keep that pack and bags below 60lbs.

Russ, do not forget your "deet", have fun.

Russ, it looks like you have an excellent packing plan. My cousin and I do something very similar for our trips. I carry the canoe and a light pack, while he hikes 10m ahead of me with the main pack. Those portage trails won't take you long at all, an important factor with the June skeeters everywhere. Have fun and be safe!

Russ this site is probably the best website for route advice in Algonquin Park.. as you've probably noticed. If you want to talk to someone you can always call me at the store 705.787.0262 x36. Since I live in Kearney and trip in that neck of the woods often you can feel free to yap at me about your trip plans if you have any more questions that haven't already been answered here.

Randy Mitson
AO Huntsville
http://www.aohuntsville.com
http://www.algonquinoutfitters.com
mailto:randym@algonquinoutfitters.com

12 more days for me. Trying to thin out what I've packed. Looking to shave pounds if I can. I know I'm pretty close to most from what I'm reading. Looks Like I'll have around 100lbs of gear plus the weight of the two of us. For any fishermen out there if you see my route on my 1st post are there any good spots for fish? You can e-mail me sci@zoominternet.net with suggestions or post them here. Counting my days

Looks like a great route. If you plan to make it to Shipegew or Longer from Queer you had best wake up early. Pack som A5-35

Big Trout & White Trout are your best bets for fish. After that, Daisy to Magnetewan.

Preacher
I was thinking about switching the campsite on the 1st night to the 1st campsite on the Tim river just after the long portage from queer. Because I know day 2 is going to be a long one.

Hey Russ!

I stayed on Shippagew Lake a few years ago and loved it. I came by Tim River also. As you come from Tim go across the lake to the East side and towards the rappids, North is a great site and good for swimming to boot. Have no problem staying there again. Tried fishing the rappids but only got some garbage fish (not sure the name).

Cheers
Mike

Mike B

Wow I can't say enough. My son and I had a great time. The weather was perfect. We had rain on our 1st day. Not hard rain more of a drizzle all day. Then sunshine the rest of our stay except the last night it rained a little at night. We did not see any signs of other people till our 5th day. Then we spotted some from a distance. I was amazed at how quiet it is. In fact it seemed really loud once we got back to the access point and ran into other canoes. The park and campsites where super clean. We spotted many moose, a black bear, birds of all kinds and so many wildflowers. We had a resident snapper visit us for awhile as I was pumping some water. We picked wild strawberries one day what a treat on day 6. That is where we spotted the bear. He liked the berries too. That was at the farm depot site on white trout. On our way into access #3 the snappers where all over the road laying eggs. The park service warned us about them. We almost had a moose run into our car on the way in. We couldn't drive fast in my sons car maybe 15-20 mph tops but a moose busted out of a small lake next to the road scarred us pretty good. We had some great campsites. Our favorite was a island campsite on burntroot with the sandy beach. We happened to be there on the two hottest days of our stay. Nice swimming and relaxing area. I was really impressed with the park and can't wait to get back. Once I comb through my photo's I try to get a trip report done. Thanks for all the suggestions and input to others on this site.