AlgonquinLakes wrote:

It took us 2 hours last fall to get from the north end of Lavielle to the island site across from the Bonfield- Dickson portage on Dickson. That included paddling against a tough wind for a good chunk of Lavielle.

Regarding whether to stay on Lavielle or Dickson, they’re both really nice. I personally preferred Dickson, but that was also because we had a better site the night we were on Dickson (that island site has great views) and the weather was better for that night.

 
Thanks, that’s good to know in terms of timing. We’ll have 4 nights for Dickson/Lavielle with the plan to run day trips from there.

findingfontinalis wrote:

+1 vote for the Opeongo route. Did it for the first time last year and it did not disappoint!

 
Thanks for the recommendation FF!

swedish pimple wrote:

smoke lake,,  spawn at first ice ,, easiest time to catch them,, if you know where

 
Yes I imagine that would be the best time to target them during the late fall spawn as they would be congregated in shallow water. I would like to try to locate them this spring near the time of the trout opener.

Zemantics wrote:

No experience targeting nor incidentally catching them, but I feel like there's a recent reg change regarding the ones in Ope. I think it may be due to find genetic uniqueness, if I'm phrasing that correctly, but not sure.

There was a cool fall canoe trip video of some guys smashing them. If I can dig up the link I'll post it. I wanna say there was something odd in their method, like that were using float rods typically used in Creek fishing but they were on lakes.

 
I did a bit more research on whitefish in Lake Opeongo and found this link: https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/pdf/raven_2022_1.pdf

You are correct, whitefish are now closed all year in Opeongo in an effort to preserve the two distinct forms (small vs. normal) of whitefish found in the lake.

Please post the link to the video of you are able to find it. I have read some old trip reports of people catching them ice out at the base of falls/inflows.

Either way, appreciate all the notes included on the maps.

captainchaos2000 wrote:

Mike33 wrote:

2 specific questions for anyone that may have insight:

1. Regarding the upper Crow River east of Opeongo- is it reasonable to run a day trip from Lavielle to explore the river down to Lavaque and then head back up? Would the current be an issue early season?

2. Launching from Cedar Lake, how far can you reasonably expect to make it south down Catfish Lake in one day? That would be: south across Cedar and up the Petawawa into Narrowbag Lake. Any comments on the 2345m portage? The goal would be to head towards the lakes west of Catfish (towards Burntroot).

1) I haven’t paddled that stretch in the spring, only in the fall.  I travel solo and I double carry, I’m by no means a speed demon on the portages or on the water.  Leaving Lavielle in the morning I’m usually at Mallic for lunch and then Lavaque early/mid-afternoon.  I have no doubt you could turn around and paddle upstream especially in the fall I’m just not sure on the time.  I’ve always stayed on Lavaque and then portaged/paddled downstream from there.

2)Leaving Brent in the morning I’m usually making camp on Catfish mid/late afternoon.  I’m sure with an early start and maybe single carrying you could get a bit further.  Catfish is perfect for me on day one.  The 2345 meter portage “unicorn hill” isn’t too bad the first half of it is uphill when you get to the benches your about 1/2 way and basically at the top of it.
 

 
Thanks for the detailed response, we would likely pick a site on Lavielle not far from the first portage towards Mallic. We would be single carrying, looking to fish the pools along the river and try Mallic and Lavaque as well. Would you recommend staying on Lavaque? How is the campsite there?

Good to know about Unicorn Hill, have you gone west from Catfish towards either North Cuckoo or Perley? I’m interested in exploring this area.

2 specific questions for anyone that may have insight:

1. Regarding the upper Crow River east of Opeongo- is it reasonable to run a day trip from Lavielle to explore the river down to Lavaque and then head back up? Would the current be an issue early season?

2. Launching from Cedar Lake, how far can you reasonably expect to make it south down Catfish Lake in one day? That would be: south across Cedar and up the Petawawa into Narrowbag Lake. Any comments on the 2345m portage? The goal would be to head towards the lakes west of Catfish (towards Burntroot).

First time posting, I’ve used Algonquin Adventures as a resource for many years and figured I would finally join. Thankful for all of the helpful information I’ve been able to gain from members on this forum.

I’m currently in the process of planning a 5 day trip mid May and wanted to ask for some advice on 3 potential areas to try. I’m admittedly a brook trout enthusiast, however the majority of my fishing is now catch and release, only those that have sustained fatal injuries I will keep. Having the chance to see these beautiful native brook trout is a highlight for me and the main motivation for my trips.

I have a general idea of 3 different routes:

1. Smoke/Ragged/Big Porcupine/Bonnechere

2. Cedar/Catfish + explore surrounding lakes

3. Opeongo (via water taxi) /Dickson/Lavielle

The plan would be straight and back. Hoping to leave time to explore and fish surrounding lakes once further in.

Any input/suggestions on these routes would be greatly appreciated.