Has anyone made the trip between North River Dam and Turtle Dam? I am going to be at Kipawa Lodge June 17th-23rd and would like to explore a little more, I've been above North river, but not very far, is this trip even possible, in an 18 foot glass boat? After getting through North River, there looks like there's two possible routes, one to the right, through Audoin and a narrower one, to the left. Any information would be appreciated.
Doug.
I distinctly remember seeing a post years back with photos of going through that trip. Unless it was the old forum. Try the search function. I've only ever been through Turtle chute coming from the North and then going around so far then returning the same way. We couldn't take the chance to have to take on a windy Hunters Lake on the way back.
As to your query, from what this shows on my Navionics Webapp, you absolutely want to go NW and through the narrow channel with the island always on your right.
Try this lol.
Thanks smitty, I did a search, but haven't been able to find much.
Doug, We will be at Kipawa Lodge that same week! I will look for you! We will be in the large cabin east of the office! (at the swimming dock on hunters narrows)
See you in 85 Days LOL!!!!
Steve
The countdown begins! Actually, it begins, when we leave Kipawa. Lol look forward to it Steve, hopefully the black flies will be on their best behavior.
Doug.
It's been a few years since we did the trip through Turtle Chute and down through North River Dam. It was no problem in my 178 Princecraft. I did take it easy though!
I'm not familiar with Turtle Dam.
Do you mean to say Turtle Chutes??
Yes, Turtle chutes, it says Turtle dam, on a map that I have.
Quote from: penner on March 24, 2023, 12:43:34 PM
It's been a few years since we did the trip through Turtle Chute and down through North River Dam. It was no problem in my 178 Princecraft. I did take it easy though!
It does depend on the water levels that season. Plus a glass boat is much heavier.
Thanks for the responses.
Doug.
Just to make sure, you are talking about the "chute" just a 5 minute drive away from Alwaki? or the dam in the bay behind Kipawa Lodge (about a 7 or 8 minute boat ride from Kipawa lodge)?
I have been through both, multiple times - I have an 18.5 foot Stratos 486SF .... very different approach for each location... the "chute" near alwaki needs speed and trip up and stay in the middle... (I have a youtube video of me going through it and can send you a link if you like, plus some other drone footage I can send you a link to also).
The north river dam (behind Kipawa lodge) is much different, sloooowwwww and easy, weave your way through the rocks and logs, have someone at the front looking out for underwater rocks/logs. It is a beautiful ride, and you are in total isolation/wilderness... bring lots of gas and enjoy.
Greg
Thanks Greg, I would appreciate the links to both, I have been through North River dam, and turtle chute, just not very far past either. My buddies dad, chipped a prop coming back through Turtle chute one time, so I know you have to be on plane and stay in the center, that's nerve rattling coming through there.
Here is one link... coming back (towards Alwaki) from the north side of the chute - enjoy.
https://youtu.be/LrNQbZimFmc (https://youtu.be/LrNQbZimFmc)
I'll look for the others.
Here is another link... look in the folder "Drone Vids" for many drone videos of canal bay, and me going through the chute...
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FbMvWE1zaXp6l9cFhrpYuvjTq9cq7bp4?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FbMvWE1zaXp6l9cFhrpYuvjTq9cq7bp4?usp=sharing)
Going through the chute videos start at "0054" in the drone video folder...
Thanks Greg, I appreciate it.
I have been through Turtle Chute 100s of time, I never take it fast but I did see a pontoon boat go through at full speed before. The north river is not my favorite way to go in or out. Either direction you have to watch for rocks. If you go up the north river and get into Audoin you can take the route to the left np, there is a sandbar right at the end you have to watch out for.