I was wondering if you folks could share your favorite two to three week window of time you'd rather be in Quetico over any other period of time, and why. Each segment of the open water tripping season has it's own unique offerings, but I'm just curious what trips everyone else's trigger.

I gotta agree with Kingfisher.  It's a popular time, but in the QP you're rarely going to deal with portage gridlock or campsite anxiety, especially if you're even just a little thoughtful on routes.  During that time, I would avoid the Falls Chain an account of seeing too many people, but other than that, late July is BEAUTIFUL. 

prouboy

Well, I usually go to the BW, but I would still like to answer your question.   

My favorite time in the canoe country, by far, is spring.  By that I mean mid-to late-June.  I am OK with putting up with more bugs to have the campsites be less trampled, the spring greens overhead, the spring flowers blooming, the loons on the nest or out with their fluffy little chicks, and everything cool and fresh with the feeling of new life in the air.  Days are long and nights are short, lots of time to travel and do campsite chores, and still be able to sit by the fire in the evening without feeling rushed.

Evenings are cool, nights are sometimes cold, and the mornings often misty.  Spring is my very favorite time.

Spartan2 wrote on Apr 15^th, 2012 at 7:15pm:


Hey, I agree with Lynda!  Spring = big fish, no bugs, and no people. 

Wait, wait, I agreed with KF about June. 

Am I a waffler?  Am I screwed up?  (NO need to answer.)  Maybe my favorite time is ANYTIME in the QP. 

prouboy

I agree with Kingfischer.  Last 3 weeks of July and first week of August.  Swim, berries, fish, hot weather, I like it!

PhantomJug wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 12:58am:

I'm with you on that time frame for exactly the reasons stated. 

I hope we don't go in to a fire ban this year ... its going to make for some cool nights without a fire!

dd

Mid August. Usually few bugs, warm water and meteor showers.

Any time in the BW/Q is better than not going IMHO.  That being said, the best time for us involves taking advantage of a holiday to give us the extra day in the park.  Since Memorial Day and Labor Day also are getting more toward the shoulder seasons, they take top billing in my mind.  Just don't expect to easily find campsites within a 4 hour paddle of an entry point (BW and southern Q) on the holiday weekends and plan so that you are in the middle of the park at that time.

My wife and I do our big trips in August, usually the last 3 weeks or so before Labour Day.  It's a glorious time of year - plenty of sun, cool but not cold nights, few bugs and, if you know where to look, the fishing can be pretty good excellent too.  I also tend to do a shorter trip around the end of September or early October.  "Indian Summer" just after the first frost when summer time weather comes back for a brief and final visit is also a wonderful time of year especially if you hit it when the colors change.

Any time I can get there, is the best time to go.

I love long days and good fishing so lately I've been making my trips on the 10 days prior to July 4th.  I always plan to come out on the 3rd so I can enjoy the holiday back home with the family without cutting into my tripping time.  Plus it gives me an extra day to get out if the weather turns on me and I can't make my planned exit on the 3rd.

I find the summer peak fishing period generally happens right around this time of year.  If you hit it right on, the walleye are strapping on the feedbag, the bass have moved off the nests and the females are ready to rock again, the lakers are still catchable, and big pike are on the prowl.  If spring comes late, you still hit bass on the nests, at least some walleye are catchable, big pike are still relatively shallow, and lakers are easy targets.  If spring comes early like this year, you still get good fishing and the blueberries are starting to ripen early enough to scrounge a cup or so for the pancakes.

Bugs are also starting to mellow out.  I generally miss the worst of the blackflies and the skeets are manageable during the day.  Daylight is still essentially at it's max, too.  Matter of fact, it's almost impossible to get enough sleep and still use all the available light.  Not that I really worry about sleep though.  I can sleep at home.  I want to spend as much of my time awake as I possibly can.

I personally tend to perfer around the 3rd week in June. Love the cool nights, when campfires are graet to snuggle around. The cool drinking water is always refreshing. I fish a lot and have cut back on travel somewhat, so this period is for me...fishing is usually ridiculous for all species. Much easier to find the 5 star campsights open also. Last few years, bugs have been surprisingly easy to deal with for some reason.

Agree with you all however, that any day in Quetico is better than the best day at work!

Last time I was there was a beautiful September. Not a lot of others. That's my favorite time of year in just about any place north of the equator.

I am a late August guy as well, less crowds/bugs. I would like to do a September trip once my schedule allows it.