Planning my first solo trip for end of September. My usual partner for the last 27 years at 85 years old says he can't go anymore. The last few years we have stayed at Fall Lake CG and made it happen for him.

Plan is to fish and fish. Was looking for ideas on what to pack, ideas and "easy-ish" routes. Was thinking of Lake One as there is a lot of water to be around with no portages. (Kind of more or less a safety idea in case I twist an ankle or worse.)

Looking for any and all ideas and advice.

Thanks.

I'm at a loss as to what to tell you since it seems you have lots of experience except for solo and possibly time of year . . . ? You may know weather is variable and can be quite cold, windy, wet, and days are shorter. Pack accordingly

I've done a lot of solos - you carry everything and do everything. My mode is KISS - food and prep, etc. I haven't fished in many years, preferring to travel, so "what to pack" has been more "what not to pack". It seems you will basecamp and avoid portaging . . . ?

Suggest you visit the solo tripping forum.

Fishing seems to be your focus.
Do you have experience solo paddling and fishing? Will you be paddling a dedicated solo canoe?

Does this bring up more specific questions? Just ask.

I love going up in the fall, been doing that the last five or so years. Too many positives to cons imo. Certainly havent went through all the weather elements, and do quite a bit of winter camping so I can pack well.

I would prefer to basecamp and be able to focus on fishing and some grouse. Its probably a stupid thought, but if I can avoid portaging just in case I get hurt, I think thats a good idea but I also know accidents and injuries can happen anywhere.

I will do some digging through the solo forum and see what I can find.

As of right now, my plan was just to bring the regular canoe. I may look into renting a solo to see. As far as fishing goes, I've always sat backwards in the front seat when I am alone lol.

Took my first solo trip last summer after 20 years with others. Rented a solo kevlar and loved every minute of it. Wayyyyy lighter than my royalex Penobscot in the first place and shorter so maneuvered very well. Was good to fish from too. Have been on the water solo with my Penobscot (but not on a BWCA trip) and the move to a solo canoe made a huge difference to me.

I figured you already knew the weather stuff. As Jefflynn noted, it will be a lot easier to handle a solo fishing in the wind (less shear line) to get blown around. You probably already anchor or use a drift sock . . . ?

In the solo forum you'll find a lot about reducing weight to portage and simplifying camp chores. A lot may not apply to what you are planning, but would be good for you to check out. Planning 2-week solo trips with lots of portages is different. A lot soloists find they don't eat as much since there's no "social aspect". I eat dehydrated "freezer bag" meals right out of the bag and there's just water to boil and nothing to clean up.

If you injure yourself you may or may not get out on your own. I've managed to limp out on my own from about 10 miles out; just took longer. Pack an ankle brace, knee brace, back brace, and Tylenol ;) I've carried a SOS satellite communicator for years.

FYI Several times over the last few years I've talked to a lot of grouse hunters in the Sawbill - Kawishiwi Lake area. Some staying at Sawbill campground and others at the Kawishiwi Lake rustic campground who were having success.

Have a good trip.

Boonie,

Thanks for the replies, I cant find the solo forum on here lol.

Waiting to hear back from Lake 1 outfitters on availability of a solo canoe. Once I hear back from them I will probably grab one of the permits at the same time. Lake 1 looks big enough to explore around, Ive always just paddled through it to go further in. I think itll be a decent location.

I started traveling solo a few years back. For safety, I travel as light as possible (learned the hard way after my first solo), keep the gear very basic, and carry a SPOT locator in case I do injure myself. I don't avoid portages, because I enjoy getting deeper in.

try this link

If you're adding grouse hunting then you're going Sept 25 or later.
If you're time is flexible you could spend time on the ely side and gunflint t side. There is a campground by McFarland lake and you could paddle John, little John, pine and also hunt logging roads along the arrowhead or shoe lake Rd or Irish Creek Rd or greenwood Rd, eventually ending up on the gunflint trail.

Mocha: "If you're adding grouse hunting then you're going Sept 25 or later.
If you're time is flexible you could spend time on the ely side and gunflint t side. There is a campground by McFarland lake and you could paddle John, little John, pine and also hunt logging roads along the arrowhead or shoe lake Rd or Irish Creek Rd or greenwood Rd, eventually ending up on the gunflint trail."

Doesn't season open 9/14?

Here's a trip route idea if you're interested in coming in from the Gunflint Trail.
https://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=trip.report_view&sel_trp_id=5913

cwallace: "

Mocha: "If you're adding grouse hunting then you're going Sept 25 or later.
If you're time is flexible you could spend time on the ely side and gunflint t side. There is a campground by McFarland lake and you could paddle John, little John, pine and also hunt logging roads along the arrowhead or shoe lake Rd or Irish Creek Rd or greenwood Rd, eventually ending up on the gunflint trail."

Doesn't season open 9/14?"

Usually… I used to enjoy a few good meals with grouse… they really come alive as the season progresses.
Some great fishing if you adjust. Your tandem backwards is something your used to. Wind would be your main enemy!