Have been wanting to see the Namakan river ever since I heard it may be dammed in the future.  Finally after 3 years, it comes to be.

Colors....stunning...at peak.  Best I've ever seen since fall tripping.

Weather...Absolutely stunning!  Days 60's...80 degrees on last day!  Nights, 30's-50's.  Needed 1 night with the johns and stocking hat and socks on.  Rain 1st night only.  Pretty stiff wind 1st 2 days, but not bad for protected river travel.

People...NO ONE!

Fish...getting a walleye in your canoe for supper was like reaching in the fridge!  They would have bit anything.  I used pink fireball jigs and lime green Gulp 3" minnows.

Critters....3 moose swam across in front of me.  Got video of moose swimming across in video whilst I was setting up camp.  All cows.  Wolves VERY nearby..but did not see 'em.  Bear swam across my path and I got some pics.

Bugs....dang nabbit biting midges/knats were out 2 days.

Water level...LOW.  I'm guessing about 2 ft from normal and 4 ft from high levels.

Accidents...yup.  Made several poor decisions that could have resulted in loss of life.  But the good Lord decided it was not my time.  Will describe later.

Attractions....many falls on the river that are really just big rapids.  But High Falls of the Namakan is indeed impressive.


On way out of Fort Francis, stopped at Crilly dam to research a future possible solo out to Rainey on the Seine river.  Here's the dam and river....
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