Non motor get together

[reelemin]

Power stroke are you still wanting to get a non motorised fishing FM get together?

I'd be willing to help out.

Any ideas on lakes?

[Powerstroke]

I haven't thought about it recently, but I know there was a small group who talked about it last year. I'm sure we could get something going.

I don't do a lot of paddling locally so I don't have the best ideas about places to go, but if nothing else, there is always the Chain of Lakes in Mpls. The numerous species and the chance to paddle one of the gems of the Twin Cities really increase the draw. People don't have to fish to want to do the paddling.

If we're also thinking about just paddling trips, I've also done a short trip down the Minnehaha Creek too. Its good for canoes or 'yaks. We start at Tonka and follow the creek into Hopkins and Mtka.

[Maximum12]

Great idea. I do the bulk of my paddling in the BWCA & am always looking for an excuse to put the canoe in the water closer to home.

The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is a great idea, & I'd love to paddle Minnehaha as well. Another one, a little ways out, that's really nice is Little Carnelian by Stillwater. There's a portage-esque walk down to the lake from a very small parking lot, & the fishing for pike & bass is pretty good. Picturesque lake, too, lots of old submerged timber with a few of my lures in the wood.

[reelemin]

Andy - Calhoun, Isle, and cedar could work. Its a great paddle throughtout those three, and fishing is also good in all three. It would be a good variety of fishing and paddling, plus places to pull a shore for lunch.

Just a thought - but how about May 24th for bass opener?

[Powerstroke]

The only hangup with that is I may still be turkey hunting then. I hope to have a tag filled already, but you never know when you're bowhunting.

[Quetico]

I would definitely be interested in any FM paddling gathering. If the water levels are right you can paddle the Minnehaha Creek from Gray's Bay all the way to Minnehaha falls.

Let me know what if you guys need help planning this event.

[reelemin]

Andy - now that is one hunting sport I would do. Turkey bow hunting, sounds awesome. From what i know it should be one of the most difficult also.

[Powerstroke]

I've done Gray's to Hopkins Crossroads. Thats a little over and hour depending on how fast the water is. The next section takes at least another hour and doesn't go that far. It gets pretty windy.

[yakfisher]

I'd be interested, but if we do Minnehaha it needs to be done early when the water is high. I did it a little too late last year and scratched up my boat really bad, lots of sharp rocks and rip rap in that stream.

[reelemin]

I'd rather not do the creek, I've heard some horror stories of canoes getting demalished there.

My vote would be: if in the city then Calhoun, Isle and Cedar. If out of the city, someone has mentioned Little Corneila, out by Stillwater, that sounds interesting.

[Chode2235]

I think the chain of lakes is a great idea. We could even do a sort of CFR tournament, and have a cook out afterworlds or something.

I do suggest we move it out a ways though, I would prefer the end of June myself. But do what works for the most of us.

[yakfisher]

The chain of lakes would be cool, at the very least it should be after the muskie season opens though.

[sparcebag]

Have any of you heard of Rice Creek,in ardenhills,Through the,Armory?Weapons?Fed.land now opening to canoers, yakers.Its a really nice cruise And the mile or so that was offlimits is now opening to the public.It may be a good time to check into it before the masses get there

[Powerstroke]

I only mentioned Minnehaha as a paddling opportunity. I wouldn't use it as a big GTG.

It does have to be done relatively early because of water levels.

I've never done Rice Creek, but I've thought about it. I don't know where to start.

[Quetico]

A friend of mine works for the Rice Creek Watershed district. I can ask her. But Rice might be fun. Anything for fish out there?

[Cyberfish]

I have yaked minnehaha creek before, fun if the water is high, not much for fishin though...

the city lakes are a blast, I yak fished calhoun a few times and got some fat largemouths, and had a tiger musky jump right in my lap while trying to snap a pic boatside in the dark!

early summer sunday afternoons would be best for me!

[analyzer]

ST croix river is nice too. You can go from interstate park to William obrien... or stop at franconia landing for a shortened version.

Or

I've done the snake river to the St. Croix, and down to one of the parks, can't remember which one.

I really like the upper st. croix, it is beautiful, and generally too shallow for motorboats.

[reelemin]

good choice, I forgot about the St.Croix. I did that a few years ago and it was an awesome trip. That would be my vote.

[hondarider550]

I would not mind joining you in an outing like that if it was a reasonable drive from Northwest Iowa... It would be great to meet up with other canoe users. Not that many around this area that I know of anyway...

[Powerstroke]

There are some great trips in SE MN area.

I never thought of the Croix either. I've never been on it before, but I don't see why not. Great scenery, great fishing and there is camping available if people want to make it a weekend adventure.

[reelemin]

Hey powerstroke - what ya say you and I make this thing happen? Its souding like there are quite a few interested.

I think the St.Croix would be awesome. Its a great paddle and St. Croix state park has a shuttle to the landing area.

[Flatlander]

Lots of good fishing along the Root. The Root itself, with a lot of feeder streams along the way. Quite a few camping options. The upper Croix is a beautiful river, too.

[Quetico]

Lets go for the upper St.Croix. Beauty, no motors possible, great paddling and tons of bass, some wally's and pike. Just not the last week in June, I'm hoping to be on Isle Royale.

[Powerstroke]

reelemin I think its a great idea. The Croix is a great option for paddlers and for fishing. Could be a family thing too.

[analyzer]

I think my wife and I would be interested, depending on her work schedule.