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History » The Last Guide's Guide by Ron Corbett » 5/02/2019 6:22 pm

jonp
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Thanks Boknows.  Picked this up and have been enjoying it while waiting for the ice to melt.

PS.  Also wanted to say thanks as some of your earlier posts and trip reports have been instrumental in getting me excited for canoeing / fishing in the park over the last 10 years!

Jon

Equipment » Family canoe advice recommendations- what can I get away with? » 5/02/2019 6:16 pm

jonp
Replies: 10

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Hi Laker,

I thought I would throw my thoughts in as I have a similar canoe story.  I purchased a 16' Souris used in 2014 to replace an older Scott Fiberglass I was tired of portaging.  The 16' Souris is a great canoe for tandem /solo tripping and worked for a time for my family of 4 when my two boys were young (2 and 4) at the time.  Year by year as the boys got older (now 7 and 9) it was cramped.  In 2017 we did a 9 day trip with a total of load of approximately 650lbs people/canoe/gear.  Although within the load restriction I wouldn't recommend it.  Down to 6-8" of freeboard (and Queticos start a good amount of freeboard), sluggish to paddle and the kids get tired of sitting ontop of the gear. 

We trip with another family of 4 who runs a 17' swift and they had better freeboard and speed but still cramped for space.  In retrospect had I picked up a 17' in 2014 it likely would have lasted us a couple of years more.  Last year we tried bringing two canoes (I adult / I kid in each) but it adds another trip on the portages and is slow going when faced with a head wind as 6 yr olds don't pack much paddling power.

So for your situation I would either go with a large 17' knowing it will get cramped but will work for a couple years or save your pennies and keep an eye out for an 18.5'.  In my experience buying a solid used canoe is like an investment and they never really depreciate substantially provided you get something desirable in the first place and take decent care of it.  Unfortunately it is this mindset that ultimately leads you to having a garage full of different canoes....

Jon

Trip Planning » Preparing to Solo Paddle in a group » 8/03/2017 11:50 am

jonp
Replies: 2

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jvermast,

Used my 16' Souris soloing on many trips.  I have always just sat in the bow seat backwards with my pack well forward and the boat trims out fairly well for windy conditions (I am about 170 lbs).  I suspect you should be fine as well (and much more comfortable).

If you do find yourself kneeling in the middle of the boat I have used a 20l dry bag (typically containing clothes, sleeping bag & pad) between my knees used as a rest to support your backside.  As noted above provides another point of contact / stability such that you aren't balancing constantly between your knees and the top of your feet / toes.

Enjoy the trip!

 

Fishing » Temporary Rod Holder » 3/29/2017 8:04 pm

jonp
Replies: 11

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I use the basic holder basilthegreat posted but I use plywood shims to prevent hull damage, position against the canoe stern thwart and add a bit of electrical tape tightly wrapped to hold in in place prevent turning.  On the bow I use a simple 5" piece of abs tubing lashed and taped the top of the bow handle extending slight over the edge of the canoe so it can not rotate.  Not the most professional system, but sturdy, out of the way and I generally leave in place for the entire trip.

Trip Planning » Would appreciate guidance- Fishing Trip Access Point #3 May 2017 » 3/29/2017 7:06 pm

jonp
Replies: 12

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Hi Cullie,

If catching some additional fish to keep younger fisherman interested and motivated is your goal my advice is try trolling.  Troll when heading to your campsite.  Troll when switching campsites. Troll when checking out a distant portage or beach.  Troll everywhere you go.  You will be surprised at how many incidental trout you can pick up just heading from A to B even in the middle of the day at good speeds.  You generally cover a lot of ground with your line in the water which increases your odds of connecting even if you are not in the exact prime areas / not using the optimal presentation. 

I would suggest using rapala style lures and spoons (use a swivel to avoid line twist).  Double your chances and have two rods (assuming you have 2+ people per canoe).  Try to be different between the two rods (one spoon / one rapala / one bright / one natural / one deeper / one shallow / etc).  When you do catch a trout or two think of where and how you caught them, what on and then try to replicate it until it stops working. The other bonus is that when trolling fish bite and are generally hooked by the momentum of the canoe.  No setting the hook, no nibbles...

Casting is very effective if you can select the prime spots and present baits at the proper depths / speeds.  It also fun so to do at camp, the base of rapids and in good areas in the morning / evening prime times.

Hope this helps.  Feel free PM me if you would like any more specifics.  Good luck and have fun.

Trip Planning » Spring Trout Trip Guidance » 3/29/2017 6:31 pm

jonp
Replies: 6

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Without being specific, find a route with a couple medium sized trout lakes at least two portages from an access point.  Generally avoid any lakes that have bass (bass outcompete trout and bass lakes are usually indicative that fishing pressure has been high in the past). 

You shouldn't need any special equipment to catch trout that time of year.  If using braid be sure to use a mono / flouro leader.  6-8lb test is more than enough.   

IMO trout fishing only gets better until the bugs make it unbearable to be out.  Bring a couple of deeper diving (10-15') crankbaits in case you want to try a little deeper.  Keep only what trout you would like to eat fresh (one or two per trip is good for me) and release the rest.  Barbless hooks help with successful releases.  Bring Bug Spray.  Have Fun.

 

Equipment » Gravity Filter Question » 3/22/2017 12:14 pm

jonp
Replies: 14

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pjr2013 in case you were not aware Platypus had a manufacturing issue with grommets on the clean bags and they will replace (it was an over the counter exchange for us at MEC) .  This little issue still hasn't detracted for me on how great and easy the system is. 

Similar to others above, I have been on week long trips with 8 people and it was all we needed.  Both tripping families we were with also went out an purchased one to replace their pump after.  Easy in the camp but you can easily filter in the canoe hands free - Fill the dirty bag over the side and rest ontop of a canoe pack with the clean bag on the floor.  Takes a few minutes longer then hanging but an easy way to filter 4L while being free to paddle.

 

Trip Planning » Rock - Louisa - Pen - May 2 in a Kayak ! » 4/15/2016 4:02 pm

jonp
Replies: 8

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That's a nice trip you have planned.  I would think the ice would be out at least a couple days before.  Personally I can't see it lasting two more weeks of this weather. 

As far as checking areas out the Galipo river just upstream of Pen has some pretty cool falls sections.  Welcome has some very nice beach spots and unique campsites.  All lakes through that area have good fishing if you are into that (watch special regs on Rence / Harry / Welcome).   You may be a bit early but we have always seen lots of moose in that area as well.

Enjoy the trip and be safe.  Water will be very cool and you have some sizeable lakes to travel especially if you get out into the open.

Jon P

Trip Planning » La Muir, Hogan » 4/12/2016 10:46 pm

jonp
Replies: 8

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Hi Ahubbs,

Was into Hogan last year mid may for two nights.  Did not see any other canoeists or motor boats although lots of evidence the areas is frequently used.   Stayed on the first island site coming in from portage from Big Crow.  Both island sites here are good IMO.  Also sampled a couple of sites down towards north end of the lake and they were respectable. We fished around the islands and down the shoreline to Little Madawaska and back one day and managed decent trout fishing (lakes and specks) with a bonus whitefish from Parks Bay (yum!) thrown into the mix.  

I am headed back through for one day the first of May ice out permitting for another loop so I suppose I would recommend the area.  If I had to recommend a loop direction I would come in from Big Crow and leave via La Muir.  The first km of portage out of Hogan to Big Crow was quite an uphill grind for me and my less than stellar physical fitness level...

Have a great trip.

Jon P

Where In Algonquin? » Where in Algonquin #56 » 4/12/2016 8:51 pm

jonp
Replies: 15

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Acme Lake / Pond looking back towards Hambone?

Trip Planning » Welcome lake portage bypass. » 4/08/2016 11:58 am

jonp
Replies: 5

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Hi Donny,

I walked the river downstream about 300-400 yards last spring in early June.  I think from the limited section I saw it would be a tough slog.  Lots of old  blowdowns / logs /shallow riffles etc.  Also some good grade changes that may be difficult to scout and run with the amount of obstructions limited space of the channel.  Also not a very fun place bug wise in June as compared to the open hardwood portage... lol

If you do try it let us know how it goes.

Jon P

Fishing » Fly Fishing - General tips for spring » 4/08/2016 11:46 am

jonp
Replies: 30

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Hi Holycow,

I have fished flies over the years in small lakes very similar to the park just across the border on the Quebec side.  At that time we were primarily drifting or slowly trolling across shoals with Sinking line and bright streamers for both lakers and specs.  It was fun and actually quite productive when on the right drift.  I don't suspect we were getting any deeper than 10' or so but it was typically June when we did most of our fishing as well.

I will also drift flies for specs behind the canoe here in Southern Ontario on slow moving rivers (similar to the slower sections of the Crow) while my boys cast from the front.  I have caught some really nice specks like this.  For this setup I am using a floating line, 8' lead and bead headed wooly buggers (usually in red or black). I like the floating line as it keeps me out of snags when I slow the boat, help with one of the boys fish or untangle lines but do get hits when trolling at decent speed where I assume I am within a foot or two of the surface.  Works fine in rivers I fish but likely not good in deeper sections of lakes. 

I have bought from reel flies at the fishing shows and find them really helpful for a beginner like me.  You can check them out on the web.

I have also read about old timers using "loop to loop connections" and an old piece of lead core line or sinking fly line to get a little extra depth for spring trips on fly setups but have not tried it myself.  I have not been brave enough to bring my fly rod into Algonquin to try yet given I am really just have a dabbling interest and have not truly committed to it but perhaps if I get a solo trip in May or June i will.

Good luck out there on the water (if it ever unfreezes!)

Jon P

 

Trip Planning » Pen Lake suggestions? » 3/16/2016 12:15 pm

jonp
Replies: 16

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As said before #6 & #8 are the prominent beach sites but have always been occupied when I have passed by.
The islands site #3,4,5 appear nice but again have always had at least one party around when I passed by so we have never stayed.
#10-#13 are steep rock ledges and while some are nice site not ideal for smaller children (at least mine lol).
We stayed on Site #15 with our two boys aged 3 & 5 last August for two nights on a Loiusa, Welcome, Pen loop and really enjoyed it.  It was a large site sheltered by tall pines with lots of flat open areas mixed with rolling hills for the kids to play.  It also had a nice exposure towards the mouth of the Crow River for sunsets.  Good log benches and couple of kitchen countertop additions (depending if that adds or detracts from the site for you).  There was a small point which you could swim off in the front of the site but was pebbly / rocky and definitely not a prime beach with some lily pads etc in the shallows around the sides. 
 
As I believe was mentioned above by another poster our kids also really loved exploring the rocks and river channel along the river between Pen and Clydegale which becomes quite low in the summer.  All in all was a great trip.

Have fun and enjoy!

Jon

Trip Planning » big crow lake » 3/16/2016 11:58 am

jonp
Replies: 8

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Hi Tentster,

I was through Big Crow in 2014 and 2015 and stopped at a few of the sites two checked them out and stayed two nights.  I have included my impressions below and hope they are helpful but again realize picking a campsite can be completely subjective.
Campsites #1-#3 - Are all beach sites.  #3 was nice and open but was quite heavily used in May of 2015 so we opted for Site #1.  The beach was nice and the firepit overlooked the lake.  Note their was also a trail that connected it to Site #2 along a very steep embankment.
Campsite #4 - We stayed here in 2014 - We found it a very private site with a nice firepit, sheltered tent area in tall trees.  Shore line was rocky from what I remember.  Their was an area of large blow downs behind the site in which provided lots of easy firewood and we also stumbled across a black duck nest with about a dozen eggs which was neat.  Good privacy and shelter for our rip but perhaps not the best if you were looking for sun and swimming (we were there again in May).
I have never stopped at #7 & #8  but have passed by them quite closely on the way to the Hogan portage.  They did not have great appeal from the water and appear steep and somewhat cut out from the dense bush along a fairly straight and plain shoreline.
Campsite #9 was occupied the one time we passed but as previously mentioned is on a spit of land and looks more appealing from the water.  It looked like it would get some sun but also like it gets more use and as such you may have to go farther for firewood.

Hope this helps.  I may be able to dig up some photos of #4 if you are interested in more than 7,8 & 9 but be forewarned I am far from an avid photographer...

Jon
 

Equipment » Camping tools » 2/21/2016 8:51 pm

jonp
Replies: 22

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Very nice Zen.  Love the Gransfors.  I may need to upgrade my old hatchet.  Sometimes the compromise for a little more weight is worth it for something so classic as a beautiful cutting tool.   

I know an axe is not a necessity but once you get used to always having one it is hard to leave at home.  Especially for those cold and wet early season trips where a good size piece of cedar deadfall is the only ticket to dry firewood in the bush. 

Board footera

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