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When is the best time to come?
As in most areas, there are certain times
that are better than others to be here. Fishing is, by far, best in late May
and most of June. Cooler lake temps make swimming “invigorating”. Mid-June
usually brings the start of our bug season … not a big deal ... just another
consideration. July begins to see more people in the woods, warmer water for
swimming, some decline in walleye fishing but good smallmouth and pike.
Mosquitoes, though present, vary a great deal depending on weather conditions
and the particular lakes you may be on. Late July and early August are by
far the busiest on the canoe trails; campsites need to be chosen earlier in
the day. Fishing is only fair due to peak water temperatures, but can be
improved by fishing at dawn and dusk. Swimming at his time in wilderness
lakes is great! For some reason unknown to us, many Scout troops single out
this particular time for a trip. If you are one of these, you must make your
reservations early. A mid-week starting date is strongly suggested!
When should reservations be
made?
Set your dates accordingly. Remember,
federal permits are on a first come basis. Get your reservations to us as
early as possible, and have an alternate date, too. We take reservations up
to a year in advance. It is best to reserve immediately for Ontario’s Quetico Park. We can confirm Canadian permits immediately. for U.S.-side
trips. We can start submitting US-side requests for the coming summer to the
Forest Service on November 1st, so try to have reservations and deposits in
by Thanksgiving. U.S. confirmations are mailed January. With all of this
rush emphasis said, we should also point out that we regularly accept youth
group reservations as late as early June for the same summer.
Group Budgets
When estimating funds for "on the road"
(charges like gas, meals, overnight accommodations, and bus or plane
tickets) be sure to figure EVERYTHING on the high side. If you are not
electing to use our equipment protection option, reserve some funds in case
of damage to gear. Then add an additional 10% contingency to cover
unforeseen costs. If this puts the trip out of reach for some financially,
it is far better to know before signing up. Also, it is much easier to
refund some money at the end of the trip than to ask for an additional
payment due to an unforeseen situation.
Personal Budgets
It is easier if the total fee is collected
in installments. A non-refundable trip deposit of $50/person (plus bunk room
fees of $10/person/night) must be sent to us when the reservation is made.
Be sure to tell the participants whether items like on-the-road meals, any
needed travel lodging, and fishing licenses are included in the collected monies or
if they are to be paid for individually. Have them plan on having some cash
for last minute forgotten items. "Fun things" like live bait for the trip,
extra fishing lures, a can of pop, T-shirts, souvenir maps, a gift for the
folks back home, etc. must also
be in the personal budgets ($25 - $75). |
