I'll have to go there

nctry_Ben wrote on Nov 10^th, 2020 at 10:25am:

That was a good trip.

Irvine was one of my favorite lakes. The walleye fishing was pretty incredible the first time I visited it. I was shocked when I went back a few years later after the blowdown to see the beautiful campsite I’d stayed at the first time totally full of downed trees and such. I don’t think you could pitch a tent if you tried. Luckily the more common camp across the way was in great shape.
The first time was after the 2011 fire. I was told you couldn’t get through the portages from the north end down to split rock. But although charred the portage in question was no problem except tripping over firehose left behind the year before. Just think how the fishing will be when things settle down and the regrowth is underway.
High and Dry, I hope you can get your feet wet in this area again and make it to Irvine. You’ll love it Terry. Just watch out for killer wasps... I watched one do a straight line attack on magicpaddler. Nailed him in the eye for crying out loud! He wrestled that thing outta there with hardly a sting. I never paddled with anyone as tough as him... I hope they can open our borders again and more great memories can be made!

I actually have a short video of that old burn area as well.  The "portage" went to Larus Creek.  Great memories!

I did a solo from Irvine and looped around west down to Royd/Gammon pre fire (2016).  We didn't fly over that area on our last two trips up there so I can't be much help there.  However, I would take stock in Claire's advice. I would think there would be quite a few trees down from the fire itself and then you have windfall and snowfall trees coming down over time.  I waked a portage (without boat) from one of the lakes to the west of Irvine to a river that was not cleared after a fire.  I literally had to crawl under trees and climb over trees.  It was interesting to see some of the blazes on the dead/charred trees still standing. I have some pics of that area if your interested in what that looks like. Campsites need to be cleared as well.  On the plus side you can get some pretty good views from high places!   BTW the fishing on that trip was crazy good! 

Stay safe.........

I always forget where Irvine is and have to track it down again on a map somewhere. It's a spot that I've come close to but not gotten into yet. There's a lot of WCPP for that matter that I still have to explore.

Here is the prompt response I just received from Claire regarding portage maintenance and the Irvine Area since the fire.



We have not visited the Irvine area since before the fire of 2018.  And this fire was pretty intense in these parts.  So, the area is making it to the top of our priority list for next summer and will be challenging to find and to clear... especially with less experienced crews.  Both of our senior crew leaders (wardens) have moved on and our new leaders will be in training.

So, we have not pointed folks to Irvine, nor do I know of any visitors this summer that ventured thru here.  That is about all that I can offer you at this time. Unless you are planning a later summer trip, traveling thru here prior to crews having had a chance to clear the routes could be more than you bargain for.

Hey Jimbo, Long time no chat.

I sent an email in to Claire to see what she might offer as far as what's up with the Irvine Area. I will share what I hear back. If it is as bad as Martin made it sound we will find a different area. Of course all of that "assumes" we can even get into Canada.

And if we can't get into Canada we will figure something else out. We ain't getting any younger so we have to take these trips before our bodies (and wives) say no more you fools.

Bogwalker,

Marten would be the guy to comment on that one, though I doubt much has changed from the assessment he offered me LAST year.  I had been contemplating options for 2020 before the Covid mess and asked what he thought about Irvine.  His outlook was pretty bleak as that area will be "charred" and in "forest renewal" mode for another few years.

I suppose there can be something to be said for visiting an area in forest renewal.  Might have a better chance of seeing caribou, etc..  Also, I can't imagine the fishing will have suffered...which reminds me, I still have to settle accounts with a monster Northern I lost on Irvine about a decade ago.

Hey, if you DO get to head to Irvine, I have one important travel tip: DON'T bushwhack in from the east side!  THAT was one of the dumbest things I've ever done...and nearly the LAST thing I ever did.

Finally, for what it's worth, I'm not holding my breath waiting for Canadians to open up in 2021.  It would be a good year to tackle something else, I'm thinking... like paddling down the Mississippi River, for instance.

Later,

Jimbo   

Has anyone heard any new information about the Irvine area since the 2018 fire? Curious as I start thinking about where I might go in 2021 assuming the border opens again.