All -

Marten passed along some disturbing news late yesterday.  It appears that fires have consumed much of the area around Irvine Lake.  They have likely rendered the lake inaccessible except by plane for quite a while.  From what I understand, even planes are having great difficulty getting in there due to heavy smoke.  This could result in some tragic consequences as I understand there may have been an individual (or individuals) camped on Irvine when all hell broke loose.

This is what I've heard second/third hand, anyway.  My point in posting  this information is to warn anyone with plans to venture into the increasingly-popular Irvine Lake area (as well as nearby lakes).  You should check in with the park service or Harlan Schwartz or whoever is your outfitter for updated, current information.

It was such a beautiful area.  I hate to think of it in ashes.  Also, Marten worked awfully hard to create viable approaches via paddling vs. fly-ins.  Paddlers who have made that journey can appreciate all the effort that went into it.  We are grateful and, now, a little sad, I guess.  I keep reminding myself that "fire is an essential part of the ecosystem" up there.  Hmmm... somehow it feels less than satisfactory to say that.

Thanks for the memories, Marten.

FYI for all prospective paddlers....

Jimbo   8-)

  (You need to Login or Register

This map link shows the burn area of this year's larger fires. The Manitoba fire on the Bloodvein is moving toward WCPP too. Huge areas have been closed to entry.

  (You need to Login or Register

This map link also has an overlay list which includes fire history for the last 36 years but not the fire that burned Walking Stick in 2016. That info will be useful in selecting future canoe routes.

Well, THAT's a bummer for sure!

  I agree, it's a shame what happened.   I did the west route from Irvine down to Gammon/Royd last year.  The 700m portage between two of the unnamed lakes was one of the most beautiful walks I've ever been on.  We were planning a three week trip from Moose down to Lightning (or up to Irvine) in late Aug./Sept. but we're going have to re-route.  Just waiting to see what the fires do.
Haven't been to this site lately.......nice checking in!
...........Mike 

Completed our nineteen day trip on Sept. 11th.  Because of the route closures (one of which we informed of thirty minutes prior to flying out) we decided to stay in the N/E part of the park.  Flew into Artery and did side trips up into Ted's and west into Lower Artery and south into the south arm of Artery.  Paddled up the Bloodvein to Barclay and explored/fished there for three days.  Paddled up to Musclow with side trips into Hawk and north into the unnamed lakes until we could proceed no further.  Paddled Musclow in its entirety.  Active fires on the south shore of Barclay while we were there.  We could see the glow from the Manitoba fire at night from Artery.  (I think I saw a shadow of Marten roasting marshmallows?).  Fishing was fantastic even with fronts moving through.  Lots of wind on this trip.  My younger brothers first extended canoe trip (we have a new convert!).  Saw motor boats on Artery (from Lower Artery) and on Barclay (from Sobourin Lake Lodge).  No boats on Musclow.  No other canoeists seen on the trip.
An aside.....the fires seemed to be kind of "patchy" in the areas along the Bloodvein and on Barclay.  From the air however, there were large areas that had burned completely. 
Anyway, had a great time and already looking at the maps for next year!
Safe travels........Mike

It sounds like you had a great trip and made the most of tough situation re:burn areas and fires. Those are areas that I have not personally reached so they are all on an eventual bucket list I suppose. I for one would love more information on campsites (status, location) and fishing exploits. I am a sucker for a good trip report if the spirit moves you. Thanks for this info. I'm envious of the length of time you were able to spend up there.

I'll try and get one published for a change.  We visited almost all the campsites on the lakes we stayed on.   One of my goals on a trip is to do more exploring/fishing on a shorter route rather than less exploring on a longer route.   I/we enjoy doing day trips from a base camp.  Half the fun is looking at the topos and thinking.....I wonder what it's like over there?
.......Mike

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.

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   8-)

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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!

That was a good trip.

I'll have to go there 8-)