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Hustler-Oyster updates?

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LaTourell's Moose Lake Resort

Last Visit: 09/06/2010 12:34AM
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jpl

07/26/2010 08:20PM

Saw a post in late June about the mess on this portage. Anyone have an update? Will be navigating it in mid August. Thanks

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collinal

07/26/2010 10:04PM

We may be doing that portage as well around aug. 10-12th. We are going in ep 12 starting at loon falls and going east then back west and up the little indian sioux river. Have heard that the portage trail is still in pretty rough shape from a couple of people. We are still thinking about doing it. I believe that part of the way in there is a beaver pond that is a little flooded and the portage may not be fun. When are your dates???

collin

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jpl

07/27/2010 06:24AM

Going into EP 14 on 8/16, and will likely hit that portage on Tuesday 8/17. Will have a first-timer with me, and I want to prepare him for that as best I can.

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SouthernExposure

07/27/2010 01:56PM

The trail from Hustler to Oyster is a typical portage with some areas of strenuous climbing and others of beautiful shaded strolling on level ground. The real problem area is about 3/4 of the way to Oyster. It looks like there was a violent windstorm that blew down through the drainage draw and toppled trees all across a beaver pond that inundates the trail. Our approach was to shuttle a number of light loads across because of having to lift the canoes repeatedly over the fallen timber. You will be in waist deep water at times. The trail on the other side of the beaver pond had several trees blown down across it as well.

Just act nonchalant about the obstacles and your newbie will pick up on your vibes and take them in stride. Pack your saw where you can get to it easily. It's tough but man, getting to Oyster is that much sweeter! Here's hoping you can secure the pinch site on the peninsula.

All of this may have changed if the portage crews have been in there.

SE

"The weirder you're going to behave, the more normal you should look" P.J. O'Rourke

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collinal

07/28/2010 12:53AM

so if the portage crews have been there, will it be easier to navigate?? we are thinking of going to Oyster in 2 weeks. Please advise. Thanks.

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SouthernExposure

07/28/2010 09:10AM

An hour or two with a chain saw and the trail should be completely cleared of downed trees. You would still need to wade that section where the beaver pond has flooded the trail while floating your stuff across in your canoe, but that is much easier.

Don't let the temporary condition of a portage trail stop you from a route. Just be mentally prepared for the challenge and intelligently negotiate it when you come to it. That's what makes the BWCA such a cool place.

Good trip.

SE

"The weirder you're going to behave, the more normal you should look" P.J. O'Rourke

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ChiefSweatyPortage

07/29/2010 02:08PM

lot could have changed since I did this portage in May... but even then with some downed trees and the flooded section it was not bad. We paddled across the flooded part and only had to pull over one log, and didn't even get wet feet. Go for it

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collinal

07/29/2010 05:37PM

My main question....Is Oyster worth it?? My wife does not like large lakes (due to the water depth) so the main lakes we are going to be on are just perfect for her. After comparing some of the lakes we are going to be on (besides loon), all look very very small now, i.e. lynx, heritage, etc. Looks as though on the map Oyster is a very deep lake in some spots, but I bet the fishing is just awesome.
Another question...the couple of lakes north of Oyster, such as Rocky and Green... do they have any fish and are the sites on these lakes nice???

only 8 more days till we leave town. wow!!!

collin

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SouthernExposure

07/29/2010 08:30PM

Oyster is worth it. It has a large peninsula that almost splits the lake in half. The western lake area is approximately as deep as Hustler and we caught a fair number of smallmouths in the bays on the western side. If you just stay off of the larger section of the lake, she should feel fine. Rocky and Green are both beautiful lakes. We caught fish in both, but we had better action on Green. We used 1/4 ounce jig heads with chartreuse or black & yellow twister tails off of points, around downed timber and over deeper boulders.

SE

"The weirder you're going to behave, the more normal you should look" P.J. O'Rourke

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collinal

07/30/2010 09:18AM

Thanks for the info SE!! We will probably do a day trip from hustler with fishing gear and nothing else. That way any obstacles are easier to navigate around. Looking forware to seeing that lake as a month ago I didn't expect to come near it.

collin

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