Voyageurs Park Advice?

[Fishinguy40]

I've spent my share of time around the Ely, BWCA and Lake Vermilion area and love them all. In August, I have a buddy coming out to visit. We grew up together in Boston, MA (where he still lives). He will becoming out with his son who is about 12. He has heard me brag for years about how great northern Minnesota is and he suggested that we go up to the BWCA when he comes out. I jumped at the idea, especially when my wife said "go for it".

Well I got to thinking....We're both in out 40's and getting soft LOL, I just had surgery to fuse vertabrae in my neck last week so I'm not sure how much fun the portaging will be. Money is another factor, it can add up fast renting the gear through an outfitter.

I've heard a lot about Voyageurs National Park and it sounds much like the BWCA except for no motorized restrictions. Plus, I always like to try new places.

I have a Monark 185 w/ 140 HP, 14x16 wall tent that I use for deer hunting and all the basic camping gear that would fit in the boat. We plan to go sometime in August and stay two nights. Since it's a long drive (I live in Eagan) and I've never been there I am looking for suggestions.....where to put the boat in and park the truck, recommendations on lakes to fish and spots to camp, etc. Since we only have two night I would like to have a camp area picked out with a couple "backups in close area" so we don't spend our time searching. Goal is to get there, set up camp, fish and enjpy life for a few days.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[woodsmanmn]

I don't have any advice for you, but your plan sounds like a pretty darn good one. Should be a great time for you.

[Hammy]

I like to go in at Ash River. It is a nice developed landing with a ranger station and plenty of parking. I usually go east from there and camp/fish in and around the narrows, plenty of structure and plenty of sites. Wolf Pack islands are nice but there are plenty of great sites between there and the landing.

For me it comes down to you can always take a trip to the big water but you less likely to be trapped by big winds if your campsite and put in are in relatively small water.

Have fun,

[BorderView]

Ash River is nice, but i prefer Kabatogama and/or Namakan. Many great campsites on islands. They have docks or sandy shoreline for boat tie up, Tent pads, tables, firerings and biffies. Also have bear lockers for food. Don't let that concern you. They are there to put your cooler of food in when out on the lake and at night. Just keep a clean campsite and don't take food into your tent. It is truly the best of the northwoods with the ability to run to a bar or restaurant if the desire hits. Both lakes are so undeveloped that you have a Canadian / BWCA feel.

The Rainy part of Voyageurs is great as well, but has the feel of MUCH bigger water and camping sites are fewer and require more travel to reach.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Shoot me your email and I will contact you. I go up every year.

Also ask on Kab forum

[Xplorer]

Ash River landing is Kab/Namakan. It is on the east end of Kab, and a short ride into Nam.

At that time of year campsites are usually pretty busy. They are all on a first-come basis. You can have a general area picked out, but may have to search other areas to find an open site. Its really a c*#p shoot. I've gone out and the first site I pass is open, and other times I've had to motor over 25 miles and up to 2 hours to find an open site.

Your other options for landings are the west side of Kab, or put in at Crane lake which gives you access to Crane, SandPoint and the east end of Nam.

Just to give you a perspective, from Ash River to Nam Narrows on the east end is about 18 miles, and 12 more to Crane lake. Ash river to Kettle Falls is 13 miles, and Wolf pack islands are 9.