Warning: this is a RAMBLING question/issue.  Patience/persistence is required to slog through this.  Sorry, but I'm writing this after two G&Ts. 

I've canoed the wilderness for over 25 years.  Initially I and my buddy did destination trips.  In essence, we paddled for 2 days to get to our desired lake, made a nice camp, then stayed there for 3 or 4 days to fish (and occasionally taking day trips to other lakes).  After 4 days or so at the base camp, we paddled back out using the same route we took to get in. 

After awhile I got the itch to see more lakes.  So we started to do travel trips."  We'd make long loops that covered lots of lakes and portages and miles.  And in the WCPP we were flown into the far edge of the Park, then we'd paddle back to Red Lake for a pickup.  These were fun trips.  We saw a lot of country, and caught our share of fish. 

These travel trips involve "travel days" where we stow our rods and reels, and plan to cover 10 or so miles of water.  This was necessary, particularly when we have agreed to be at a take out point on a given time/date for a pickup. 

Here's my dilemna: during these travel days, (some would say, "forced marches") whether it was in the QP or in WCPP, we often passed over pristine fishing water that called out to me: WALLEYE!!  But in order to keep on schedule, we paddle on by.  It kills me!  I ask myself, "why am doing all this work (paddling/portaging) only to miss all this great fishing?"  But I also understand we have to make so many miles to get to where we need to be by a certain date. 

I'm retired.  I don't want deadlines.  I don't want to have to be somewhere at a given time.  I want to be able to mosey.  I want to be able to spend 2 hours or so fishing below a falls, or in a fishy narrows.  I want to spend a leisurely hour or two at a shore lunch.  If I see a 5-star site at noon, I want to be able to call it a day and set up camp!  I want to take "power naps" after lunch!  If this means I screw up our schedule, so be it!!  I want to be able to come out a day early, or two days after the exit date, depending on weather, fishing, or whatever. 

As it is, I don't find my current style of wilderness canoeing relaxing, or particularly rewarding.  Maybe I simply need to go back to my old destination camping approach, given that most of the people I canoe with have places to go and people to meet at a certain point in time. 

I do know I need to change what I'm doing!  I want my trips to be more relaxing.  And I want to spend more time fishing.

I also know I'm not cut out to be a solo tripper.  I need the camaraderie of friends.  So, what to do?  I've got to make a change.  Just don't know what that will look like.   

So, all you QJ'rs..... wade in!

puckster

I used to pack away the fishing rods on travel days and paddle over prime waters to keep a predetermined schedule. No more. I no longer feel the need to rack up miles and portages. As I also enjoy traveling with others, and I have a job to return to, I do have to end the trip on a given date. That is a compromise I make.

Now I take shorter trips in terms of distance, but plan with options, meaning nearby lakes that can be accessed easily. This allows us to move at a relaxed pace. If the fishing is good, we give it an extra day, otherwise we move on. Look at the fringe areas of the parks. It is not necessary to go deep into the parks to find great fishing. I'll see parties entering or leaving, but not stopping on 'my' lake. Work smarter, not harder.

The simple answer seems to be to take longer trips, more days not more miles. I really like to have a route that needs 20 days and take 30 days to do it. It is really nice to be able to stop and take time when ever you want.

Finding partners for this long of a trip is difficult so I would suggest having partners come and go during the trip. This spring in WCPP I had different paddling partners three weeks in a row. Most do not like over 10 days so if you do like long trips try it out. An advantage is that you get a re-supply each time  so the packs are lighter and fresh banter around the camp.

If you can find an air service that gives you credit for providing your own back-haul the cost are not that bad. Normally you pay for the empty plane leg but having two parties share the round trip cost helps a lot. If canoes do not have to be changed out it is even cheaper.

I feel as you do Puckster.
After years of wilderness trips under time restraints, I decided that when I retire I'll be able to "mosey" when I feel like it.

I know from my too early Spring trip, I can "go hard" if need be, but why do that unless you have a deadline to keep or want the physical challenge. Been there, done that.

You mention that being a solo paddler isn't for you? Just a thought, but being solo, free to "mosey" is much different than being solo with 
a schedule to keep and the work required to make that happen.

Maybe reconsider that solo thing for a short trip just moseying to see IF that changes your mind?

I think OS's advice is good too. Planning shorter routes with options for day trips is a great way to " work smarter, not harder".

Obviously your dealing with larger "issues" .......It is commonly called a mid life crisis. There are 2 basic solutions> acquiring the friend that sticks closer than a brother or the other route which includes a small red sports car and a blonde. I highly suggest the former.

So your dissatisfied by base camping and not happy traveling? Tough call. You sound like you might be bored. Couple of suggestions.......time for a change of locale. Maybe Maine or someplace out west? That could fire things up a bit. Or maybe you take a year or two off from canoeing and do something different? I'm strongly looking into a backpacking trip of up to a month in Washington state, variety is the spice of life certainly rings true IMO.

Or how about this? My Basswood lake solo trip a few years back was highly enhanced by a good long book (wild> Cheryl Strayed as per KF's suggestion). I spent many hours in a disorganized camp transfixed and entertained by a book I couldn't put down (some of my best friends are books  ).

So there you have it....and all free, no charge. If you want my company on an official capacity I am in town this weekend. I set up today and am free tonight for dinner.....my treat, you pay