Gidday

Well, we got the week long spring fishing trip all booked, now its time to look at the rest of the summer...

I was wondering if anyone might have some good ideas for a two night trip somewhere in the eastern part of the park in July with one or two moderate portages to a secluded area.

Being that time of year, I would like to camp on a lake that has probably some bass and maybe some pike so we can keep the lads and the dads amused. Some decent swimming spots would be good too if the fishing ain't great.

Last year we went to Booth the four of us and my son and I have been into Sec and area many times. Looking for something a little more challenging as they are getting a little older. We have all of the gear necessary for interior tripping/camping.

Thanks for any ideas.

71
Blakeney, ON

71 -

From the East side I'd recommend High Falls area off of Stratton Lake - but that would not meet your 'secluded' area requirement, as its quite busy in the Summer. But great swimming there (e.g. natural water slide).

Wet Lake? It only has one campsite so you'll have the lake to yourself at nite - but you may have been there before seeing you're familiar with the Sec Lake area. Good fishing for small/largemouth bass and northerns.

Access 28 - Brain Lake. Very good bass fishing on some of those lakes through there from what I've been told (e.g. Stretch Lake) and fairly secluded.

How about Cork Lake?
only 3 portages from Bringham parking lot access.
Rough trails, but not too challenging..and there is bass in Cork too.
Only two campsites on the lake. nice cliffs when you first come onto the lake. scenic lake.




Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

We've taken the family twice to St.Andrew's Lake. Each time we have stayed at the northern most site before the portage which is fantastic and private. The lake allows for great day trips to places like the High falls area. Portages are very easy but you can fight the wind on Stratton and Grand.

One note; watch out for the biggest snapping turtle I have ever seen in my life hanging out by the campsite shore. We saw this beast on our last of 3 days there, thank goodness he was not about (or we were unaware) earlier or no one would have gone swimming. This thing was massive! I would guess 17-18" shell diameter with a head the size of a softball, by far the scariest thing I have ever seen in the park! He would watch us on shore and as we came closer to the water he retreated only to approach again we took a step back. It was as if he was waiting for somoeone to have one wrong step or slip and bang, snack time. He was far more worrisome than the bear that lumbered through the campsite at 6am the same morning. It was quite the "Mutual of Omaha" trip.

Andrew.

thanks for your input guys!

I have been to the waterfalls before with my young lad...but it might be worth a trip back,,,but like you said it can be a bit busy

thanks for the thoughts lads it, gives me some ideas to ponder!...and isn't dreaming about possible trips half the fun!

71

As I sit here waiting for the 501 buckets on our maple trees to fill up and I take a break from completing the interminable preparations for syrup production, I dream of Algonquin trips past and future (this May!). Liz and I took our two sons and daughter on challenging interior July and August trips (10 to 14 days long) beginning as early as age 8. Even the lowest water levels, toughest portages, and wildest weather are fun or least not too miserable with the right equipment, the right attitude, and the right pacing. We went everywhere: the whole length of the Nipissing, Biggar to the Nip via Loughrin Cr, the Nip to Erables via Osler, Cedar to McManus, LaMuir to Radiant, Dickson to the Barron River, White Partridge to the Crow, the whole length of the Crow (in both directions), and the easier stuff. It helps if the kids love to swim, carry packs that are reasonable for their abilities, and you go only once across portages.

It is actually the Pettawawa River, from access 23, McMannus Lake, travel upstream for about 3 to 4 hours and you will be at a good fishing destination...the kids and the "bigger" kids will not be disapointed.

The 2 portages can be done by pulling the canoes as the water is not to deep...but still wear your p.f.d.'s. From Whitson, you can paddle all the way back!

Hey Dano

I was actually looking at this as I have never been at this access....drove by it several times...

I think you wrote a log on a trip here??

What would the paddle be like up stream on the Pet in this area around July 1? don't wantt to discourage the lads form future trips if ytou know what I mean??

Thanks for ideas

71

It is an easy paddle, I've done it solo last year, the only thing that can slow you down would be the wind, but that can be anywhere. Last year we had high waters, so the trecking up the swifts were a bit tricky, usualy July has low waters. I have been to Whitson 8 times and never had any problems getting there.

If you decide to go there, let me know and I will let you know where the good fishing spots are, so the kids can have a great time.