I have a little, and I do mean a little, interest in maybe trying to bushwhack into a few unnamed lakes where there doesn't appear to be trails on the maps. I just thought it would be nice to find a small lake, virtually untapped for fishing, in which you would almost be guaranteed to not see another soul as long as you wanted to stay in there. Obviously I don't want to bushwhack into a lake and find it's just a big swamp, or drag all my gear through the woods only to realize there is no reasonable option for a place to pitch a tent, so I thought I'd ask you folks about your experiences with bushwhacking. First, what are the characteristics of an "off the trail" lake that perk your interest for a bushwhack? Size of lake? Ground route distance? Rumor or inside information? Shortcut to other lakes? How about when you start a bushwhack? What kind of navigation tips can you offer as where to start your bushwhack, how you keep from getting lost, and what kind of terrain, obstacles or hardships have you faced in the middle of a bushwhack? Thanks for sharing your experiences bushwhackers, because my hat is off to you for your toughness and adventurous spirits.

Guarantees are tough to come by in Quetico.  While there are a few gems in the park, for the most part the lack of a marked or historic portage to a lake is usually for a reason; i.e. no suitable shoreline for a campsite, poor fishing, water depth, clarity or quality, or just a general low "curb appeal" etc...  I know that doesn't answer your specific questions but FWIW anyway.

I know of some that are great fishing holes and worth a day trip in and out but have found or heard of none that would cause me to make the effort getting into it to spend the night.

Of course, I have an agenda when I go to Quetico and "exploration" is low on the list of priorities.

With the above said, I also don't want to discourage you from doing some bush-wacking yourself.  There was a time when I needed to know what was "over there" but that was before Google earth.  Now I can make an educated guess.

I would be happy to PM my specific, albeit limited experiences to you though.

Lots of historical posts and threads on the topic around here as well.

Having done a few I would suggest you start off with short ones.  The first lake I bushwhacked into I only took my fishing pole and did some shore fishing.  You will find some have portages that are just not marked on any map. Note the suns location before leaving the shore.  It will help keep you closer to your intended heading.  Check your compass frequently for the same reason.  You cant keep on a straight line because you will be going around obstacles that will get you off course and that is why you need to check your heading.  Another way to navigate is to follow a creek or valley to your new found lake. 
I have found that the fishing can be much different on a smaller lake.  About 15 years ago my brothers and I were base camping on Saganagons in early June.  We had been fishing fairly hard for 2 days and hardly had any fish.  I took the gang into Moose Bay Lake much to the grumbles of everyone.  They came along just because there wasn’t any fish bighting they might as well do some exploring.  Well all the kids and I got to see a moose and every one caught Northern and bass.  There is no marked portage but if you look around you will find where many people have made their way in and out.  There is the remains of a trappers cabin some where on that East facing hill that flanks the entrance to Moose Bay.

I love to bushwhack but I do it in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. Most areas up there have little underbrush so things go easier. I am usually trying to find a route through an area that has no maintained portages. People have been living, hunting, fishing and trapping these areas for a long, long time. My goal is to rediscover the route that has been the proven one for all generations before me.

I start by studying a topo map and then the Google Satellite images. This gives me a general idea of the topography. When I get to the area I have several options marked on my  maps. The old trails usually do not do a lot of climbing. With the heavy equipment of the old days it seemed they would rather pull through a bog than fight gravity. I am only interested in laying out high and dry routes for others to follow so I disregard the old boggy trails.

For me a GPS is the most important tool for the next stage in bushwhacking to the next lake. The GPS is loaded with the topo maps for the area I am searching. These are the steps I do before starting the bushwhack to the next lake.

1.clear the track log and have tracking activated
2.mark a waypoint for my present location
3.move the cursor to my chosen destination on the next lake's shore and record it as a waypoint
4highlight this waypoint and select "go to"
5.have map screen showing on the GPS
6.set up map screen to have two data fields at the top
7.select " pointer" and "distance to destination" for the data fields

I am now ready for my first attempt in getting to the next lake. I follow the pointer on the GPS being careful to keep the GPS level and always pointed at my destination. As I progress I go slowly and take note of the terrain to the right and to the left for better options. When I come across a great stretch of terrain I mark it as a waypoint and name it with its attribute. If I make it all the way to the next lake with no major obstacles I save the "track" my GPS has recorded and check the box so it will display on my screen. With that bread crumb trail "track" saved it is time to start with step 1 again.

Use any info you have gleaned from your first trip across to improve the route. Often times when you have worked out the best route you will spot some old blazes or cairns. This is more proof that you have found the better way across.

If this makes no sense to you or some parts are a mystery I urge you to head to a local park with the GPS and manual. A GPS is a fantastic tool but takes use in the field to master what it can do for you.

Bushwacking into "no name" lakes or the more 'famous" lakes has been something me and my paddling partner have been doing for the last 10 years. it sounds like there is a lot of good info on here already in terms of how to bushwack, but if you would like specific info on any quetico lakes that are either fishing gems or a once in a lifetime spots shoot me an email with what you were thinking. I have been in lakes that are amazing for any of the major 4 fish depending on what you primarily target. and all though it is a tougher bushwack, last year we ventured into hoare lake and it was amazing. 

You have received some excellent advice. Why not go for it rather than dream about it? As you look back on a trip it may end up becoming a highlight even if you get there and the fishing was lousy and the skeets a bit tough.

I am no expert with map or compass or GPS but have spent a fair amount of time off trail and might be able to offer some practical tips.

I would avoid bodies of water that are very small. I would also avoid bodies of water that have swamp around the entire lake. These are apt to be shallow and possibly winter killed. If there is a natural feature such as a creek you can follow all the better especially if you are not skilled with map and compass or GPS.

Once you have selected your destination I would advise that you get your start early in the morning. This gives you the entire day to size up your options. My preference on bushwacks under a mile is to walk the route first with a light pack. This light pack should have your raingear, fire starting abilities, and a pile of cliff bars as well as ample water. There is always the potential to get lost. Always prepare.

If you are going up a creek it is seldom you can walk right up the creek. It is magical when you can but that is not usual. There is, however, often a transition zone between the creek and the forest where you can pick your way through. Keep the creek in sight and "ease" or "glide" your way through. Pause frequently, slow your pace, stop, look and listen. To many inexperienced people actually increase their rate of travel off trail........this is a no-no. You "pick" your way through. Pause, size up your next 10 yards, remember you will have to walk it eventually with the boat.

Back to the creek.......if you do follow a creek and walk it be on the lookout for beaver work. They often dig channels that can be hid by tall grass. Add a few cuttings around and a fall could be bad news indeed. Another reason to go slowly. You never want to fall, ever.

If there is no creek all is not lost. You can flag a route and do simple compass work as well. You must remove the flagging tape after your done but nothing is quite as comforting as looking behind at the bright orange wand. Speaking of looking behind get into the habit of doing just that.......things look entirely different on the return and that can throw you if your not careful.

So you have arrived.......it is very satisfying to arrive. Check it out. See any fish in the water? How about the shorelines? Any potential for campsites? Be careful in your excitement not to wander away from the point you first hit the lake!!! Better yet flag it........now you can clamber about the shoreline and get a better feel for the place without losing your place. OK.......a whole flotilla of baby smallmouths come up to you looking to get fed (that actually happened).......lets go for it.

Going back will feel faster. Your gaining confidence in the route. But wait......now it is time to improve your travel, especially for the boat. Take mental notes of tough spots, cut a limb or two if you have to. Good thing you started early.......

Off trail travel can actually be very fun. But you must be safe. That means knowing where your at ALL the time. And knowing where your stuff is at all the time. To wade blindly ahead at breakneck speed is foolish. Take your time, go slow, pause often, look around.......its an adventure. Take it in. You have heard the saying "the joy is in the journey".......this is especially true in off trail travel. So be less focused on arriving and more focused on your traveling style. Relax, slow your breathing, listen to the sound of the wind in the trees.......what's the rush?

One last tip......I like a very light pair of sunglasses (as opposed to dark shades) and have even thought of safety glasses for off trail travel. The reasoning is two fold.........of course they provide some eye protection, especially when the boat grabs a branch and then it releases it can give you a bit of a smack.......but also to discourage the little gnats which seem very attracted to your eyes. If they are around they can be an irritant as they end up in your eyes and can actually ruin what would of otherwise been a quality experience.

Good luck........with all the time spent on these replies we are expecting some return ;)..........let us know how your trip went OK.

Even if your using a GPS, the idea of doing the initial exploring trip with a light pack and marking the route with orange flagging tape is a good idea.
Lot easier to walk to visual cues than constantly looking at compass/GPS.
Finding the path of least resistance is a lot easier with a light pack than carrying a heavy pack/canoe.
If you do it right with the flagging tape, you should have a easier time when your under load.

This was all very good information. I'm glad I posted this. I don't know if I'll be up there this year or not, but I am definitely going to pick a spot or two to try on my next trip, and will use much of your advice. Thanks alot.

I don't want to dampen anyone's enthusiasm for getting off the trail but I think a reality check might improve your chances of success.
First off walking in the woods with your day pack and always knowing where you are can be fun.
Bushwhacking a canoe and full complement of tripping gear is not fun it is damn hard work. Try not to have timeline goals. Take what the terrain will allow. A one mile bushwhack could take well over 4 hours. That could be 4 hours of some of the hardest work you've ever done on a canoe trip. Take at least twice as much water as you think you will need in a worst case scenario.
Be aware that whatever your practical load limits are for portaging you would be wise to reduce those limits by at least 25%. I know plenty of excellent canoe trippers who can easily manage 100lb loads on any portages in Quetico. I have not met the man yet that can handle 100 lb loads safely and comfortably off the trail for any significant distance.
Be prepared for the going to be really tough at times and do try to stay found all of the time. Getting turned around for any length of time can really crank up the anxiety level when your hot, perhaps a little dehydrated and fatigued. Be aware that if you get to that state you are apt to make that stupid decision that could be a game changer. That is when its time to slow down and become super methodical in your thinking and decision making. Remind yourself that there is no need to rush.
The real fun of the bushwhack is looking back on how awful it got and how you managed to get yourself through it.

KF is right.......I made it sound like a walk in the park but it is a lot of work. In fact I have probably forgotten just how much work.......But I have always enjoyed it regardless and so my definition of fun is probably a bit different than others.

Just walk it first to make sure you don't end in a tag alder swamp and have so much sweat equity involved that you don't feel like you can stop.

I also like the point KF made about lightening the load. You may have to make an extra trip. Get started early so it doesn't get hot. My bushwacking days were in the fall and early winter for the most part. Might not be as much "fun" as I remember being hot and dehydrated while smacking deer flies.

Kingfisher, great advice and summary.  It brings back memories from last summer's solo when I "hiked" part of the bushwhack from Camel to Hoare.  After about a 1/4 mile, slogging, slipping and hopping up a rocky creek and bobbing and weaving through the brush and thicket, I realized how  ridiculously difficult and time-consuming it would be with a canoe and pack.  A potentially tough situation could become really bad in a heartbeat.  Maybe in the future with a partner...

Funny story regarding a bushwack attempt about 10 years ago on Quetico.  Many of you will recognize the attached photo as the back side of Eden Island.  As a narrative, there were 4 of us that year - 2 canoes.  One morning as we were getting ready to fish, one of the guys in the other canoe thought a bushwack to the lake in the bottom right of the picture would be cool.  Me and Matt weren't interested so we stayed on Quetico.  Anyway, they paddled to shore, we said our goodbye's and good luck and they disappeared into the woods.

Me and Matt (Pascanell) continued fishing around the shore (white line) and we arrived in the small bay about 2 hours after we parted ways with our other canoe.  As we rounded the point we saw the other half of our group heading down the shore.  We pulled out the map and realized that they had actually portaged across the isthmus (red line) and NOT into the unnamed lake to the south (blue line).  As we paddled up to them they were shocked to see that we too had decided to follow them and bushwack into the unnamed lake.  (Are you getting this).  Anyway, we decided to not tell them where they actually were and continued to fish for a while together when they decided that they were going to head back to "Quetico".  We told them we would start heading back later.  Once they were in the woods out of sight, we paddled back around the peninsula post haste and met them as they were coming out of the woods.  It was then we revealed their actual route and directional mistake.  Pretty funny.

---

That ain't just funny, that's a riot!

A great story!  ;D  Thanks for the laugh PJ!

I too would advise starting out with an easy bushwhack. When you step out of the brush and gaze upon a backcountry lake you will know if this is something you want to do again. If your adrenaline levels rise and your heart is thumping in your chest from the exhilaration, you may be hooked for life. :o

I have found Walleye in lakes with outlets connected to known Walleye lakes. Quality of habitat will surely play a part in size and number.

PJ,

That would make a great intro to a article about the importance of basic or better map reading/navigation skills before attempting a bushwack ;D

I can't ever remember not bushwacking.........when we were kids we would always look on the map for some lake back in the woods with no roads going to it......... we would ride our bikes until we were old enough to drive. In those days we fished out of truck tire tubes with a home made wood seat before the nice ones came around. There always was some stinking oozing mud to wade through before you got out there but we sure caught the heck out of the fish.

Some places were posted but we would slip in anyway. We got caught once.......the guy was so mad he was spitting......"where's those fish"!!!.......then he said he was taking us to the police station......."OK, lets go" I said............that threw him for a loop as I expected he probably thought we would start crying or something. He told us not to come back and we didn't........at least not in the daytime (I know, we were bad.....but not REAL bad).

good days........yes, bushwacking can be fun. Just ask any long haired, pimply faced teenager that is toting a truck tire bigger than he is through hells half acre with a busted rod and no bug dope.... ;D........yup, those were the days.   

One of my first solo trips was a bushwack and an education.  Constantly off course by 10s of degrees.

Bushwacking sucks for tripping. 
It's fun when you don't have a pack on your back and don't need to find a place to camp.

Definitely something to scout before hauling.  Do a day hike, pack a lunch, enjoy the walk.

Brush up on your map & compass skills.  A GPS is great for telling you where you are.  It doesn't replace map & compass skill.  Very easy to get turned around once there aren't any lakes or visible landmarks.

You can almost always find a camp site Kf and I spent the night where the triangle is in the picture. That camp sight does not fit on QJ’s number of stars rating system but I slept well.
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Magicpaddler wrote on Apr 25^th, 2012 at 5:22pm:

You can almost always find a camp site Kf and I spent the night where the triangle is in the picture. That camp sight does not fit on QJ’s number of stars rating system but I slept well.   (You need to Login or Register   (You need to Login or Register

Good point. I figure if I can safely land the canoe, I figure between my Dri-Fly tarp/tent/hammock, I can spend a cozy night in a pinch.
I've watched in amusment as paddlers at the end of a long day and clearly exhausted, pass by one site after another looking for that 4-5 star spot ::)
I guess if your setting up a base camp it's worth it, but for an overnight stay, it seems a little picky to me :-/

Magicpaddler wrote on Apr 25^th, 2012 at 5:22pm:

You can almost always find a camp site Kf and I spent the night where the triangle is in the picture. That camp sight does not fit on QJ’s number of stars rating system but I slept well.   (You need to Login or Register   (You need to Login or Register

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Great picture. Worth a thousand words, as has been said.

-- kypaddler

That'd be 5-stars if it were closer to the lakeshore... ;D  ;D 

PJ, THAT is funny!

One thing I might add as encouragement to those who may be trying Bushwacking for the first time is to stay with it. Your body has yet to be "trained" to off trail travel. You will get better and better as time progresses. Here is a story that might illustrate......

Back in the day when I spent at least 10 hours a day in the woods it was rare that I would take a fall. It is still unusual but not quite so rare  ;D.

One winter night we went to see a concert in Detroit......Bookies or Bookys was the place, an establishment with a reputation of ill repute, and I think the band was Iggy Pop and the Stooges. Anyway, we walked in and there was a motley assortment of bouncer type dudes at the door. Kind of surly looking, unkept, bearded, inked up biker types. We paid our money and walked in.

As I passed one heavy set fellow I felt something just barely brush up against the inside of my thigh of my trailing leg. Instinctively without breaking my stride and without any thought my leg lifted itself up and over the offending object. I looked back to see what I had brushed up against and will never forget the look on the guys face. He had sought to trip me by inserting his leg between mine as I walked by. His dropped jaw and look of being totally dumbfounded has never left me. It was priceless.

Step lightly without committing fully. Short steps are better than wide striding type steps as it is easier to keep your center of gravity should you step into a pothole. Again, pay special attention to beaver workings as they like channels and holes which tend to grass over. You never, ever want to fall. 

Kingfisher wrote on Apr 19^th, 2012 at 5:20am:

I don't want to dampen anyone's enthusiasm for getting off the trail but I think a reality check might improve your chances of success. First off walking in the woods with your day pack and always knowing where you are can be fun. Bushwhacking a canoe and full complement of tripping gear is not fun it is damn hard work. Try not to have timeline goals. Take what the terrain will allow. A one mile bushwhack could take well over 4 hours. That could be 4 hours of some of the hardest work you've ever done on a canoe trip. Take at least twice as much water as you think you will need in a worst case scenario. Be aware that whatever your practical load limits are for portaging you would be wise to reduce those limits by at least 25%. I know plenty of excellent canoe trippers who can easily manage 100lb loads on any portages in Quetico. I have not met the man yet that can handle 100 lb loads safely and comfortably off the trail for any significant distance. Be prepared for the going to be really tough at times and do try to stay found all of the time. Getting turned around for any length of time can really crank up the anxiety level when your hot, perhaps a little dehydrated and fatigued. Be aware that if you get to that state you are apt to make that stupid decision that could be a game changer. That is when its time to slow down and become super methodical in your thinking and decision making. Remind yourself that there is no need to rush. The real fun of the bushwhack is looking back on how awful it got and how you managed to get yourself through it.

Amen, brother!!!

Jimbo   8-)