Marten-

Well, you know I have an interest.  However, I'm more likely looking at a 2-week on the water trip than the month or so you some times go for.

But, if there are enough folks interested, I can see this developing into a shuttle-type trip where some folks going in can double down with others coming out on the same day, and cutting the costs a tad that way. 

dd

I assume that is a fly in and out.  Where do you fly out from?  Is there any place closer than Red Lake?

I am starting this discussion early because there are a lot of things to look into.There is the plane to a runway at  Sandy Lake but then we would need to floatplane out to the park. Floatplanes all the way from Red Lake to Opasquia (185 miles). If enough others committed to the floatplane option the cost could be lowered by utilizing the plane going both ways. Also an Otter can carry two canoes on the outside and inflatable or pak boats on the inside. I have heard that there are a few canoes in the area of the park. Right now I have more questions than answers. No one is going to quote us an exact price for 2014 but we should know about what to expect.

For those interested in a thumbnail sketch of the park, this link provides a brief overview of (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links).  Included in this material is a google-style satellite map with one marker pin ("X").  This pin marks the approximate location of the main lodge of Big Hook Wilderness Outfitters on Central (a.k.a. Big Hook) Lake.  This is the only outfitter operating in the park and they operate seven satellite cabins on various lakes (only 5 of which are inside the park boundaries) in locations mostly in the south half of the park.  The pin mark (and the location of Big Hook) is on the eastern side of the park, which stretches west to the Manitoba Border.  If you zoom out on this map, you'll see a diagonal line marking the Ontario/Manitoba border, and zooming out a bit further, you'll see a large lake bearing the name "Island Lake".  If you draw a line from the location of Big Hook to the name "Island Lake" that line will roughly pass through the middle of the park.  (BTW:  If the name "Island Lake" sounds a little familiar, it is the northern terminus of the Manitoba ice road mentioned a few times in last season's reality show "Ice Road Tuckers.")

In general, the flowages run from south to north and east to west in this area.  As a general rule, if you pick a spot and look to see where Island Lake is on the map, the flow is likely in that direction.

I've also seen references to fish species ... predominantly Walleye and Pike, but I also see Whitefish and Perch mentioned.  Anyone know if there are any lakers in this area?

I've also seen references about OPP having the largest concentration of wolverines in North America.

dd

Martin and DD-keep me in mind. I may check with a friend who I know would love to do this as well.