I've been thinking about starting this thread for a couple of weeks now and am finally going to try to put words down in a new thread in hopes of receiving some suggestions and great feedback as always... and as we seem to have a many new(er) members on the board, it may inspire some exploring of the lake.
For those that have read my trip reports, over the last 4 years, we usually pick one day to head in a direction to a new area of the lake we have never been before - we call this our adventure day. Pack a lunch and head out for the entire day. Usually with the hopes of a specific landmark or destination in mind - just to say "we made it there".
Here are some great suggestions for new members, and old ones as well! I wanted to ask everyone else to contribute their suggestions as well - I strongly encourage everyone to explore the beauty of lake Kipawa - I look back at our day-trips as some of the best days we had... (also, for my selfish reasons that my buddy Eric and my son Justin and I have started planning the details of our trip - our count-down to July 14 is just 50 days away now! - and we are looking for a couple of adventure days).
Key locations on the lake (we have visited all these before):
- visit the other outfitters, even if it is just a drive by - check the map on this form!
- Canal bay (central area of the lake) - fantastic place - after 12 years, I visited this for the first time last year
- the beach (amazing place with outhouses, picnic tables, BBQs, etc.) on the tiny island right by the entrance to Canal bay - great place for shore lunch, swim, and lots of socializing on weekends (..party central)
- going through the chute (on the way up to the Turtle Island)
- going through the north river (the bay behind Kipawa lodge) towards turtle island (I find this area of the lake beautiful with lots of small beeches to pull up on and have lunch and swim - if you have time, go completely around turtle island) - I have seen bear, moose and deer in this area.
- Hunters Point - go visit the old church and old buildings (ghost town last inhabited in the 60's) - amazing place!!
- where else???
Potential adventure days for us this year... here is where I am looking for feedback and suggestions...
- I have never been up the north west finger of the lake towards Chalet Diane and the dam... anything unique or key up this area you recommend to not miss?
- I've gone as far as lake Grindstone (south east side of the lake), but only to the opening - never deep into Grindstone and never north into McLachlin lake - anything interesting up there? (T-Bone, I know your gang stayed in that area couple of years ago - did you venture up there?)
- During our tour (adventure day) last year, we visited a many other outfitters in the north end of the lake, but after cruising by Two Moon Lodge, we missed turning east and going as far as all the way to Taggarts Bay Lodge - I have heard so much about TBL on this forum that I would like to see it! Oarin, I believe you are there the same week as us.
- Bass - so this is a different kind of adventure day - and could be a separate thread on it's own.. we have had the discussion around more and more bass are making their way south to the central part of the lake (I have caught 1 bass each year in the central area of the lake around Corbeau island and Sunnyside). However, many people have commented how many bass they catch (and usually in the 3 to 4 lb rage) in other areas of the lake - usually the north end of the lake - if we wanted to make 1 adventure day to specifically target bass just for something different - where would you recommend? And do you target small mouth or large mouth (and what baits... top water baits? jigging plastics works?). I am very familiar with targeting bass in my home area (Ottawa river) - it is pretty simple - throw a frog into weeds/or on lily pads, or cast buzz-baits beside weed lines and you draw the bass out. Kipawa is a different kind of structure though so just wondering what others do.
Any other suggestions welcome!
Count-down is on... 50 days to go...
Thanks...
Greg
Hi Greg, we too enjoy exploring different areas. The farthest I've gone is Campbell Bay. It is really a beautiful trip. You should get there. As for bass, TBL's area has some huge bass.(http://i64.tinypic.com/8ywaw6.jpg)(http://i67.tinypic.com/4rwabt.jpg) We don't target them and have gotten them with slip bobbers and a leech. This year I hope to take my son,Jon, to Campbell Bay. -Not sure if I spelled the bay's name right. We will be at TBL's outpost cabin on the 14th of July -the 19th. 50 more days!! If you get that far in your adventures stop in and see us. Oarin.
Greg,
As far as going down to Grindstone or beyond is really missing out on the best fishing in the system (in my mind).
Grindstone is a good sized with the following spots:
- right hand side behind the island (right after you go through Butneys) is a good shoal
- there is a hump out in the middle for jigging where the lake trout like to hang out
- whole left side is cottages (all the tips of the island if the wind is going into them are good)
- island at the end of Grindstone on the right is a popular jigging spot
What alot of people dont know is if you come out of butneys hand a left, go back in the bay and there will be a cottage on the right (only one back there). There is trail behind it that leads into Pettesi (nice lake trout and pickerel) but over the years it has been spoiled and isnt what it used to be (but if you want to walk the trail a nice adventure)
Once you get to the end of Grindstone you can either go right to Mungo (some others call it by the lake and a bunch of cottages you view) or take the shortcut left.
This will bring you into Mungo (right takes you down to the main landing for the majority of this side of the lake which is where my camp is main one there on the point) or you can go left up the long narrows to Joes. Once you come through the long narrows (you will often see bald eagles in here) you can hand a left and go way back (There is trail at the end of the lake you can explore) or hand a right and go up to Puckster (Red Pine).
For some reason alot of people do not go past red pine and for right reason (you really have to know the waters up that way or else the bottom end will come of the motor pretty quick). If you take your time you can find as follows"
- up through red pine go through first lake and first left you come to take it and that will take you down to a bridge (That you can float your boat under) and into Mckillop (once you pass this point you need a Zec License). Years ago (before the road was built) we would go in there and lose count of 10lb+ pickerl and pike 20+ pounds but as usual over the years it got spoiled. If you venture up through mckillop around the narrows brings you into pance, top right hand side there used be old rail car system you could strap the boats to and lift up the hill into Coytoe (some others may call it different) and get quebec reds (once again some others may call if something different).
- if you pass on the above and go up through the next narrows and through two more lakes you will come to chefield (very nice spot to stop and swim and eat etc.
- Was you have a swim and something to eat keep on going a couple more lakes and you will come the raged chute. Once again there used to be a rail car system here that you could portage your boats but no longer there.
- One last venture if after you get past chefield you could hang a right through a bunch of small rivers and lakes and this will bring you right back around to around Booth Lake (About 323 mile marker on the Maniwaki Hwy.
- If you want something shorter (And I think it was mentioned above) instead of going through the chute to turtle island (not sure if you are referring to the old turtle camp) right before you get into Butneys hang a left and this will take you up through the dam (really good spot on opener but careful you are behind the wire) and this will take you all the way up to Hunters but on the right side.
- A few times a year we will venture into ZEC territory and if you are willing to put in the time there are some gem lakes to be found.
As far as bass you wont see any down past Grindstone but you will see some whitefish, lake trout, and of course pickerel
Hope this helps.
Geez Crackers you know my area much better then I do. As a 7 yr veteran of the Red Pine area I fee I'm just scratching the surface as to the potential of my area. I have had many 70 fish days
To the point of being tired of jigging and catching and just going for a troll. And that is just on my half of MacLauglan Lake. Shoals and points are plentiful and all produce fish. Some more so then others but if one spot is dead the one next to it will produce. I haven't even touched the Sheffield lake area except for a day trip exploring to the Turner rapids.I tried a few spots out of curiosity and found some fish. I left that area meaning to come back one day I will. Construction is taking up far too much of my time but I'm almost done the cabin. I can go on and on but I think you guys get the picture.
If you guys make the trip out this way please stop in for a beer, I'd be happy to show you around the lake and my lot.
Wow, fantastic information, thanks Puckster and Crackers... love this kind of discussion.
So many possible destinations... that is what I love about Kipawa.
Greg
Puckster,
We troll 100% of the time unless we are jigging for lake trout. I find you will cover more water and definitely produce alot bigger fish.
up your area Joes is good on opener and maybe into this weekend jigging but after that I would troll. Long narrows is good but better early in the year. Red pine is good but tough to fish with the current.
There is a beauty lake just around the corner from you that we fish alot and will share with you when I stop in.
I think you are referring to Raged Chute, the ultimate trip is Turners Falls but it is extremely hard to get to but worth the trip. You have to float your boat up a river (maybe 10 fee wide) and depending on the year the rapids can you take you down in a hurry.
after opener and right up to labor day you will be surprised how many fish are in 10 feet of water or less (Especially later in the day with slightly deeper water nearby).
If you are willing to pull your boat out (or buy a light 12 footer) you have quite a few opportunities across the red pine bridge on the road within a 30 min drive: Mckillop, Pance, Coyote, Brownee etc. but you have to buy a Zec License
We are going to try a lake we fished years ago but is a little bit of a portage to say the least. The amount of large pickerel in this small lake was unbelievable so hopefully the public hasnt spoiled it over the years.
Hey Crackers, I was trolling the narrows north of grindstone last week. I got about 5 over a couple of hours on an exploratory troll. I used to be strictly a troller and still lean that way. I only just learned how to jig a few yrs ago. It is kinda fun jigging but still mostly troll. Thhirty yrs ago I used to access Brennan via the Garden river from Maniwaki. What a trip that was, before they cut the road in. Hopefully retiring next year So I wanna check out those lakes you were talking about. Lets get together for a beer and a chat some time. I'd Love to pick your brain about the area.
Certainly amazing knowledge, many years of experience, thanks Crackers and Puckster.
Great thread!
The adventures
@Greg listed are really great suggestions.
We're hoping to paddle around turtle island this year....
And the details listed by
@puckster_guy and
@crackers42 are invaluable to folks new to the grindstone / redpine area.
My uncle has told us many fond stories over the years, including trips to turners falls, I have yet to make it there myself.....
Great work folks!
The area of above Ile Fox and beyond is one area I'd like to spend more time exploring.
We went up one afternoon by boat but turned around at 3 seasons camp as the day was coming to an end.
Hope everyone finds an adventure this summer.
This is a FANTASTIC thread!!! Thank you so much!!! We in our second year of fishing / exploring this awesome lake..
Can the moderators make this a sticky thread!
Great topic. My families camp is just out from the town of Kipawa.. this will be our 5th summer and I've never really ventured out of "Lac Green", found good productive spots for both walleye and Lakers in my neck of the woods so never really went exploring. Other family members have been all over the lake, but I have yet to be that adventurous. This summer I will try and check some of the boxes off that amazing list outlined above.
Obliged on the sticky thread.
Quote from: crackers42 on May 26, 2018, 12:21:49 PM
- Was you have a swim and something to eat keep on going a couple more lakes and you will come the raged chute. Once again there used to be a rail car system here that you could portage your boats but no longer there.
@crackers42 You mentioned the old rail system to bypass ragged chutes no longer exists.
Any idea, however, if a trail still exists to portage a canoe around?
It would be an interesting route to go from the section near Booth and up into Brennan.
Thanks for the great description of this area.....
yes there is a path but you may be more interested in taking the boat out of Booth, go up the maniwaki road about 15 km (about 10km past red pine turn off) and dump into the gardiner river and float up right into Brennan (would be much more scenic)
If you go into Brennan I would highly suggest all the way up to Turners Falls (but gets a little tricky in the river past Brennan).
I've been up the Garden river from Maniwaki. Well worth a trip. It's very scenic, and earned it's name. I gotta do that trip again sometime. I got a lot of these trips planned for when I retire, hopefully next spring.
We try and see new lakes every year. We may go to turners falls in a couple we will (big pickerel up there this time of year) or up north east of turners falls into Valens (need a canoe or very light 12 foot aluminum for this trip as it involves jumping through two separate swamps). The more they me spent finding the lakes generally the larger the reward.
Puckster a nice trip for you would be to go up to raged chute but turn right before you get there and float back down to booth which is a big lake (brings you out on the opposite side of the maniwaki)
Biggest pickerel 35 inch and biggest pike (longer then the boat oar) have both come out of mckillop which is right around the corner from you.
There are some big big pike north of red pine
Sounds like a plan Crackers. When I bought my piece of paradise I was supposed to look at a camp for sale Booth lake. Problem was I decided to look at the lots at Red Pine first. I was Hooked and bought one on first sight. Sorta sounds like my ex-wife... hopefully this ends better lol.
Wow
@crackers42, that is a lot of local information.
I hope many folks get the opportunity to explore some of these areas.
Thank you very much!
another decent trip for those down kipawa lodge / aliwaki is to take a left before you come through butney narrows up through the dam and once you get into that lake there are some beach / sand areas for a shore lunch
Great thread guys. Lots of interesting information. Thanks!
We have been going many years and have always fished the areas between Alwaki and Butney narrows. Being there for only 4 or 5 days one trip/year and with some of the players changing throughout the years, we tended to stay in this familiar area, decompress from work and perfect our fishing spots. Now we have a consistent core of guys going and we know how and where we can always catch walleye. This thread has inspired me to try and convince the guys to spend one day exploring other areas.
another decent trip for those down kipawa lodge / aliwaki is to take a left before you come through butney narrows up through the dam and once you get into that lake there are some beach / sand areas for a shore lunch
and
If you want something shorter (And I think it was mentioned above) instead of going through the chute to turtle island (not sure if you are referring to the old turtle camp) right before you get into Butneys hang a left and this will take you up through the dam (really good spot on opener but careful you are behind the wire) and this will take you all the way up to Hunters but on the right side.@crackers42 - I am looking at the map, I don’t see a dam anywhere. Is that heading up towards Turtle island from Kipawa lodge? How is the walleye fishing in this area you describe? Not looking for spots, just in general. Can you navigate around the dam in a boat. Also what do you mean about careful you are behind the wire?
Looking for input form anyone on this: For Canal bay- I have read how beautiful this area is. How is the fishing? I either cannot find a map that is labeled well (e.g. google maps) or a map that is labeled, such as the outfitter map, that I can zoom in and actually read where canal bay is. When we head out in the lake leaving the town of Kipawa, we turn right at Ile Corbeau heading towards Alwaki and beyond. Would we stay left of Ile Corbeau and head towards the other side of Thompson Island? I think I can barely make it out at approx. 10:00 o’clock over Thompson island and it would be on the right if we were to head towards Laniel.
Thanks in advance!
Here are the locations you're looking for; I believe the North River Dam WAS a dam at one time and is no longer whole. We've been up to Canal Bay...nice place....didn't fish up there as it was more of a lazy hot day and we were just going for a cruise. Here are the locations.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/rwrzfb.png)
Great, thanks T-Bone, thats where I was thinking the 2 places were and now that I zoom in on satellite view I can see what looks like half a dam.
Our problem is with only 4 days of fishing. I want to explore, but dont want to lose a fishing day. Its the dilemma I am thankful to have.
Yes north river damm on the left before you enter it is shelf of the wind is going in can be very good. Used to be a wire but now just a visible marker this is spawning area from about now until opener . Before you enter butneys hang a left coming from that end and follow the shoreline. When you go through north river the next lake is a lot of sand and lake trout if you know where to look keep on going and you will eventually be up at hunters point. There is turtle island and two turtle camps depends what people reference
Approximately how long is the ride from Alwaki to North River Dam? Never been down that way on our own. Brian took us 10+ years ago to Grants Pass, all this talk of adventure has me curious. Thanks for all interesting locations!
Depends on what boat you are in and the wind conditions (waves crossing hunter lake can be pretty rough!). If you are in a lodge boat - probably at least 30 minutes if not 45 minutes. I have done that trip at full throttle doing over 40mph on a calm night and it was probably 20 minutes.
It is a great trip!
[
Puckster a nice trip for you would be to go up to raged chute but turn right before you get there and float back down to booth which is a big lake (brings you out on the opposite side of the maniwaki)
Biggest pickerel 35 inch and biggest pike (longer then the boat oar) have both come out of mckillop which is right around the corner from you.
There are some big big pike north of red pine
[/quote]
I've only been out that way once and I wanna learn that water. I spent 7 yrs just getting to know my side of the red pine chutes. I used to hunt Musky in Georgian bay. Big Pike are just as much fun. I've gotten several 20lbs+ and lost some massive ones. Nobody fishes them here. I should have some big tackle around. So much water so little time...
Quote from: Greg on April 01, 2019, 12:15:41 PM
Depends on what boat you are in and the wind conditions (waves crossing hunter lake can be pretty rough!). If you are in a lodge boat - probably at least 30 minutes if not 45 minutes. I have done that trip at full throttle doing over 40mph on a calm night and it was probably 20 minutes.
It is a great trip!
Thanks Greg, we have a 16.5' Legend with a 90hp, should be a little quicker than the lodge boats ;). If we get a nice calm day we'll have to explore that area this year.
Quote from: Kyle Skelding on April 01, 2019, 01:52:25 PM
Quote from: Greg on April 01, 2019, 12:15:41 PM
Depends on what boat you are in and the wind conditions (waves crossing hunter lake can be pretty rough!). If you are in a lodge boat - probably at least 30 minutes if not 45 minutes. I have done that trip at full throttle doing over 40mph on a calm night and it was probably 20 minutes.
It is a great trip!
Thanks Greg, we have a 16.5' Legend with a 90hp, should be a little quicker than the lodge boats ;). If we get a nice calm day we'll have to explore that area this year.
Kyle when Hunters really gets going with a steady NW wind your boat will be way too small, that can be a real nasty 2 miles between the two narrows as I've seen up there, so pay attention to wind forecasts. Once into Edwards the rest of the round trip is fine, regardless if the wind picks up over the day. So as long as you start earlier in the day if they're calling for windy and do the ccw circle tour from Alwaki you'll be fine. I've been through Turtle Chute and up that way but never did the round trip. Sand beaches sound good, I'm not sure which side of Turtle Island they're on.
It's kind of vague now lol, but some guys I knew who stayed at the outpost cottage one year wrecked his prop going down the south side of that "big" island NE of Turtle chute, so I think it's best if you stay on the North side of it, like Greg did here in this vid I enjoy watching and sharing. I'm sure he can give you some good pointers. Cheers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrNQbZimFmc
I hear ya Smitty, we've been caught on Kipawa once and we'll never make the same mistake again. We were fishing muskeg bay one year, a fairly sheltered location, and we didn't see a storm coming until it rolled over the hills and was right on top of us and we were unable to get back onto the main lake and back to Alwaki. Ive seen the chop on Hunter while fishing the narrows and it can get wicked in a hurry.
Quote from: T-Bone on March 21, 2019, 01:51:07 PM
Here are the locations you're looking for; I believe the North River Dam WAS a dam at one time and is no longer whole. We've been up to Canal Bay...nice place....didn't fish up there as it was more of a lazy hot day and we were just going for a cruise. Here are the locations.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/rwrzfb.png)
Hi T-Bone
Ever heard of the sawmill bay....saw it on a video, but no idea of location...trying to put together a map for a 2020 fishing trip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgUre6mBHjQ
Thanks
Gord
I have read this thread a couple of times in the last year, each time wishing there was a
Good map showing all of these cool destinations. As part of my work for a living, I’m a map maker/GIS guy. I am going to contemplate the idea of creating a colabartive map project with the members here and highlight some cool destinations.
I will try to purchase a good quality map while at Pro Nature and then scan it on my large format scanner at work and then share to allow those knowledgeable here to mark it up, including potential areas of hazard to get to such cool places.
@crackers42 seems to know a few places as well as @puckster_guy and
@T-Bone @RoK @Greg Please chime in if this is a worthy project.
Quote from: Hodgey1 on July 13, 2019, 09:17:29 AM
I have read this thread a couple of times in the last year, each time wishing there was a Good map showing all of these cool destinations. As part of my work for a living, I’m a map maker/GIS guy. I am going to contemplate the idea of creating a colabartive map project with the members here and highlight some cool destinations.
I will try to purchase a good quality map while at Pro Nature and then scan it on my large format scanner at work and then share to allow those knowledgeable here to mark it up, including potential areas of hazard to get to such cool places. @crackers42 seems to know a few places as well as @puckster_guy and @T-Bone @RoK @Greg
Please chime in if this is a worthy project.
I'm in....glad to help if I can...have started research in the forms for fishing location etc in a word file and have a full size map of Kipawa from TrakMaps you can scan...toporama is also good for maos
Gord
Hodgey, I have an older map I got off of eBay that includes Kipawa all of the lakes around the system all the way over to Dumoine. Hard to find all of that on a single map. I'll bring it up and you can take a look. Great project and very worthwhile.
Thanks
@Gordo2270, I am going to do some research and see what the best means to do a collaborative map are. My fantasy would be hosting it somewhere anyone from the board could access it and mark it up. Once complete, then it could be permanently posted here.
@T-Bone I look forward to seeing the map. Is it a USGS Type/Government map or a third party type map? If its of good quality, i would like to purchase one myself. If you can, reply with details of who produces the map, maybe there’s a product number on it? Thanks T!
Quote from: Hodgey1 on July 14, 2019, 09:23:20 AM
Is it a USGS Type/Government map or a third party type map? If its of good quality, i would like to purchase one myself. If you can, reply with details of who produces the map, maybe there’s a product number on it? Thanks T!
No...it's a Kipawa District tourism map from March 1969. Has a listing and map location of the outfitters on one side, ads for lodges and local businesses on the other side. The detail of the lakes is really cool...every little lake in the entire district is on it; some of the names have changed I believe, but I'd rely on crackers to ID some of these to the names he uses. Again, I got it on eBay many moons ago and haven't seen another listed since. I'll bring it up.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/21cxt85.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/11gob68.jpg)
Thanks T, thats a cool map!
I've got the exact same map that was my dad's. He started going up there probably the late 40's early 50's, I don't know where he got it up there but I still refer to it.
Hi Hodgey
Sorry, don't count me as knowledgeable. I'd love to help you but I am learning myself.
Good luck,
Ron!
This link below will take you to a collaborative map of the Kipawa area, points of interest and points of concern. It's intended purpose is informational only and not to be used for navigation, as the positions and locations marked are general in nature and not precise. Feel free to add anything that would be useful to our forum group.
Kipawa Map link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1i0q7_FP8SmDyGalN6TGk9qZ1u8gHmX-I&ll=46.92770145972488%2C-78.91424112110366&z=11 (https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1i0q7_FP8SmDyGalN6TGk9qZ1u8gHmX-I&ll=46.92770145972488%2C-78.91424112110366&z=11)
Hodgey, this is a great idea.
Quote from: hinorth on April 11, 2021, 08:17:33 PM
Hodgey, this is a great idea.
Thanks
@hinorth . This is a good time to announce that I have been given a tremendous amount of mapping information "Arc Map/GIS Shape files" related to Kipawa from a member here. Once I get a chance to weed through what he has given me, I will make the information available to all KFF members. I will keep you all posted.
Hi Hodgey 1
Great job you've got started there.
Learned a lot already from your work.
Names and places falling into place.
Please don't get discouraged, very fine idea and carrying it through to fruition is going to be fantastic for all outfitters on the lake and their guests.
Hodgey
The map is awesome! I’ve spent way too much time scanning the shorelines and reminiscing the last few days!
Quote from: plowjock on April 21, 2021, 06:45:39 PM
Hi Hodgey 1
Great job you've got started there.
Learned a lot already from your work..
Thanks, hope it’s useful for you.
Quote from: Morrow21 on August 27, 2021, 05:46:06 PM
Hodgey
The map is awesome! I’ve spent way too much time scanning the shorelines and reminiscing the last few days!
Glad you like it. If anyone has anything to add, I will do it.
The area of above Ile Fox and beyond is one area I'd like to spend more time exploring.
We went up one afternoon by boat on marine equipment (https://www.mazuzee.com) but turned around at 3 seasons camp as the day was coming to an end.
This link below will take you to a collaborative map of the Kipawa area, points of interest and points of concern. It's intended purpose is informational only and not to be used for navigation, as the positions and locations marked are general in nature and not precise. Feel free to add anything that would be useful to our forum group.
Kipawa Map link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1i0q7_FP8SmDyGalN6TGk9qZ1u8gHmX-I&ll=46.92770145972488%2C-78.91424112110366&z=11 (https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1i0q7_FP8SmDyGalN6TGk9qZ1u8gHmX-I&ll=46.92770145972488%2C-78.91424112110366&z=11)