You might want to consider an early-spring trip. The trick is to start your trip as soon as possible after ice-out. It helps if you can maintain a flexible schedule, then pull the trigger when you are assured of arriving to ice-free lakes. In 2002, that may be in late-April (but that is well before the fishing opener, FWIW). Early-spring trips are great for wildlife sighting, solitude and no bugs. The earliest blackfly hatch I've ever seen was May 5, but you never know... :)

Posted by Carl Roberts on January 12, 2002 at 11:38
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