Isle Royale

[Hydroarp]

Planning a trip to Isle Royale. Trailering/Launching 22 Cruiser from Minnesota and tour the island along with fishing for a week or so in late August. Any advice for planning or fishing advice would be helpful. Thanks Brian

[ssobol]

Search this site. There have been various people who've posted here about that area. There have been group expeditions as well (I think). Check the NPS website about it too.

[colbysmith]

I'll be heading up to Grand Portage to launch on July 10th I believe. There will be several others already up there. I forget the launch fee costs and while it use to be $5/night for rig parking, I believe they have raised their costs. You can call the Grand Portage Marina (by the casino) to ascertain all that info. About 20 miles from Grand Portage, you'll be out of cell service. Two years ago it did seem like cell service on the water around Isle Royale improved, via the Canadian providers. But it's spotty at best. You will need a Michigan fishing license for all waters around Isle Royal. However, fishing on the inside lakes I believe is free, but must use barbless hooks. Get the newest Greenstone newspaper from the Isle Royale Park website. That will give you quite a bit of good information. No wake zones, no generator zones, etc. Lake Trout trolling around the north side is great. Even I can catch fish! lol. It's approximately 25 miles across to Windigo from Grand Portage. You must have a float plan filled out for the park service. (You don't necessarily have to follow it, but at the end they ask for an updated copy. Probably just so they have a record of use in the area.) If you have one of the National Park passes, you're good. If not, I believe it's $7 day entry fee. You can only get fuel at Windigo and Rock Harbor. And it ain't cheap! ALong with your Michigan fishing license, download, or get them to mail you the Fishing regulations. Limits are kind of confusing. Weather can be cool. Several years ago, going across the first week of July, water temp was around 38 - 40 degrees. I think it warmed up to 50 several weeks later on the way back. Give your self some weather days. Most the passages and bays are protected, but depending on the wind direction the fetch can get a little rough. Some great hiking trails as well. As Ssobol says, search past threads here. There are several regarding Isle Royale. Also search the NPS for info on Isle Royale. Those will be your best information sources. When I've gone up, I've always had two weeks. A lot to see.
Colby

[Hydroarp]

Thank you all. We typically only visit the U.P. once a year and spend Mid July fishing around Drummond. Looking forward to developing a float plan for Isle Royale trip. Good pointers, I appreciate the advice.

[Foggy]

Know before you go.

Even in summer, Lake Superior’s water temperature is in the very low 50s*F.
Thunderstorms with frequent wind changes create rough seas are a constant issue
to know in advance. And, yes, common even then, believe me, dense fog.

Have fun.

Aye.