Sylvania Wilderness

[nwa1819]

Has anyone been? Any information is appreciated!

[engadine52]

NWA

In my miss-spent youth I went into the Sylvannia Tract 3 times with canoe, and then last summer my wife & I rented a cabin for 2 weeks on Thousand Island Lake, right next to the Wilderness area.

What kind of adventure are you planning? What info would be helpful?

[nwa1819]

We are camping three nights on High Lake, a portage away from Crooked. Any info on the lake. Good for swiming, fishing? Will the bug be bad last week of May?

[perchking]

Yes, Yes and Yes... Well if we get rain the bugs will be there, but just bring in thermocells and you should be fine. I love this area, I have fished it my whole life. My favorite lake in that wilderness is called Snap-Jack, there are some huge bucket mouths in these lakes. They are always changing the rules and regulations within Sylvania so make sure you know the current laws. Overall if you don't use a motor, don't have live bait, and don't keep anything you should be fine.

PK

[engadine52]

Perch King is correct. You may have picked the pinnacle of bug season. However, every once in a while the UP throws a curve ball, and you could have a relatively bugless trip. Could happen! But Go Prepared with your best defenses for blackflies and mosquitos.

If you have done your home work, you already have your reservation for entry and campsite. If not, make sure you get it before you go. Sylvannia is a small wilderness area and suprisingly popular, especially for long weekend trips.

RE fishing: I have found panfish and smallmouth bass to be the most reliable in that area. But Northern are available, maybe an occassional walleye. If you have a portable depth finder, or can rig one up, take it along as it can be a tremendous help finding fish and structure.

The town of Watersmeet is small and does not have a lot of amenities. There is a Gas Station/Store/Grocery/Cafe at the intersection of US-2 & US-45. You can purchase fishing licenses there. Couple of other small businesses in town: Gas, gifts, etc. The Tackle and Bait shop north side of town on US-45, I found the best for advice, bait and tackle. AND if you wish to try your luck, there is a Casino north of town on US 45, maybe you can pay for you trip.

Having grown up in the UP I can tell you the early spring weather can be Spectacular & Beautiful or Especially Nasty. (Not much in between) Clothing layers and good rain gear would be wise. But I hope you get choice A. Have a nice trip. I am sure you will enjoy the remoteness & undeveloped character of the area.