After reading the entire adirondack attack thread and regretting not being able to attend it this year it got me thinking. I've always dreamed of doing a wilderness canoe hunt and am considering the adirondacks as a possability for next year. I'm more interested in doing it for the solitude than filling a tag. that would be great (especially for the chance at a bear!), but is secondary to the reasons I'd like to get away for a week or so. I have an old sports afield article on something similar in the cranberry lake region and wanted input on that or other areas to consider, anyone's experiences on something similar here, time of year to consider, etc.
Indian lake area is supposed to hold quite a few bear if I heard right...sounds like an awesome time either way. Good luck on your quest. Im sure some of the "dack" boys will chime in to help you out.
look at the 5 ponds area and Stillwater Reservoir too. All of these areas are popular, so don't be afraid to look at some maps and find areas that are off the beaten path if you are looking for TRUE solitude.
Moose River Plains is the best I know of up that way.Its just outside the village of Indian Lake. You can launch a canoe from Limekiln Lake campground and do a bit of travelling through the area.Not exactly wilderness but its pretty wild.Lots of game there too.I took a bear not too far from there and theres and plenty left.If the beech trees are good youll be in deer, bear and turkeys.A ton of grouse up there also.Honestly though you might not see deer everyday but theres been some beasts taken out of there.Drop me a line if you wind up going.Id be glad to show you around up there.
Izzy
Did a lot of what you posted about on the Cedar River Flow some 35 or more years ago. Did a lot around Cranberry & Little Tupper also. Don't know how just much wilderness there is aywhere any more, but those areas we floated back then, we never saw anyone else anywhere.
You can get into some pretty remote places up there. As Izzy said, "you might not see deer every day" but when you do they're usually worth the wait! Also, some of the little beaver pond brookies on flies were like miniature jewels. Talk about perfection . . Makes you believe there's more to this world than just us!!!
Larry
I used to hunt the Moose River Recreation Area/Cedar River Flow years ago. I probly covered every mile between Old Forge and Indian Lake
(40 miles as the crows flys of pure wilderness "Gods Country"!!!!!)
woodchucker - they let you in the MRR? or should I say, they let you OUT? :)
Wow! Thanks for the responses guys! I'm making an early new year's resolution that this trip will happen. Herkimerhunter, I'll deffinitely be picking your brain on this. LAR43, a flyrod will deffinitely be packed along with the bow. Brooktrout are one of the most beautiful creatures out there.
When I used to hunt up there.....The Rangers wouldn't let anyone drive back ito the Cedar River Flow (after Oct. 1st) without 4 wheel drive or tire chains.....(the Rangers used BOTH ;) )
I think they were worried about "SNOW" LOL :rolleyes:
I would have to agree with Izzy, The Moose River Plains would be "IT"!!!!!
There is a HUGE deer yard back in there too.....With a little "Early Snow" :rolleyes:
If you have a 4WD and would prefer to drive in I would suggest the Cedar River Flow. The entrance is just North of the village of Indian Lake,Take a left off Rt.30 and you can drive for about 20-30 miles back in.
(Hard packed secondary/Gravel road)
Yup, Moose River Plains is awesome. Very remote yet accessable by road and canoe. We fished that area all the time when I was a kid, many good ponds with some nice brookies back then !! Shawn
when would this thing be?
I'd like to do this next season. Its not too late to do it this year, except for money and time being focused in other areas this season. I'll have to look at some maps but you guys have given me a great starting point. Thanks! Moose river plains is looking like a strong possability.
Dont kid yourself there is alot of wilderness up there. I grew up in Utica & spent alot of time through the area as a kid. Have 4 wheel drive & chains, & bring a chain saw & emergency equipment. I think that is the area that a hunter died last year because they couldnt get out after a storm. I think it was a heart attack & rescue crews couldnt get in either. Its a fun area but when fall arrives you just never know about the weather. Have fun up there as it is a unique area but please be safe & careful. Regards, Mike
Yep better have a chain saw if you want to hunt and a fallen tree blocks the road.
do I smell an early season tradgang deer/bear hunt shaping up? :)
It sure does sound like it!!!!! :archer:
My son and I are heading over for a 4 day trip in the St Regis Canoe area tomorrow. Not real remote but usually see deer and I'm not sure but I would bet they'res a lot less people there in October.
Just got back from Lake Placid area, beautiful country. Everyone has one Kayak or two on their car and a fly rod in the back of their car. Highest point,4800 Ft. or so, but very steep.
That would be a trip of a lifetime.
Grant :archer:
Did a lot of trapping in the dead creek flow on Cranberry lake 20 years ago , never saw a deer but several bears and at least 3 different MOOSE! Its a great area and you won't see a soul other than maybe a ranger near town. when the gun season opens the whole lake becomes a busy city at every available camping spot .
Mike, I appreciate the warnings and take them to heart. I'm an eagle scout and not unfamiliar with the risks of wilderness travel, especially in a canoe in the fall. I respect and fear mother nature!
What are the rules about campfires in the region? I enjoy a small friendship fire, and prefer cooking over one when camping, but if fire dangers or other restrictions are in effect, I'll grudgingly pack along a campstove.
Me and my sons will be doing a three day canoe trip from Long Lake to Tupper Lake. Should be fun. My first trip up.
Get your paddling arms ready Terry. Long lake is LOOOOOONNNNNNGGGG.
bunyan,
You should have no problems with having a fire. NYS law requires that you only burn dead and down though, not the best for fires.
Thanks Keith! Did I mention I'm taking the two boys. As you recall they are pretty big boys. I was thinking a reclining lawn chair in the middle of the canoe would be about right! They should be able to keep up a good trolling speed!
With the two of them along Terry you shouldn't have to do a thing except catch the fish......
David
Wow! My son and I just got back from our canoe trip. What a great thing to do with kids on summer vacation. Not physicallly relaxing as it is a lot of work living outdoors and carrying gear across portages, but what it does for your mental attitude can't be beat! Good luck with your trip and let us know how it pans out. BTW, we saw a spikey!
VTer, I'm glad to hear your canoe trip was a success! Its all in the research and planning stages for next season, but I'm sure I'll be posting more as the time approaches. If things work out I maybe able to sneak up for a summertime scouting/orientation trip, although next summer is already starting to get booked up!
Wow, Andy, that trip is going to be sweet!
Mike
Thanks, mike! Glad to see ya around!
Ill be in the Moose River plains next month scouting during early bear season.Itll still be pretty green but Ill return in October and November.I never used to bring a camera with me but Ill be sure to get you some pics Bunyan.
Izzy
herkimerhunter, that would be awesome of you to do! October and November pics would really get me amped up for this!