Hey Guys,
Looking for some help if possible. Our BWCA trip was cancelled but I was able to snag a campsite between Namakan and Rainy. The site has a dock so I can bring my boat. Does anyone know if the levels of said lakes are normal or low?
Much thanks in advance.
I haven’t been on either lake this year, but I think with the ongoing drought water levels are down a good 18″-24″ across most lakes in the northern half of the state.
Namakan is low and Rainy is very low.
If its the Catamaran site on the Namakan side (there really is no “between” the lakes, its a dam) beware as there are a couple large prop/skeg banging rocks out in front of the little channel you go into the dock.
Blackbays link is the best for up there, and what I’ve used for years.
The site is Kettle Portage, which is just west of the damn. We’d be coming in from the Ash River Access. Just hoping I’ll be able to use the dock at the site.
It’s pretty short from the pictures I’ve seen, so not a lot of room for error.
Not sure how you get that its “low” when the OP is concerned about docking/launching a boat. The Namakan is a reservoir and its water level is controlled within the rule curve set by the International Joint Commission (when possible). The current levels are at the bottom of the rule which means they are only about 6 inches below average for this time of year.
If you look at the graph you can see the water level is currently higher than it was during the opener.
JP
Capture.png
Not sure how you get that its “low” when the OP is concerned about docking/launching a boat. The Namakan is a reservoir and its water level is controlled within the rule curve set by the International Joint Commission (when possible). The current levels are at the bottom of the rule which means they are only about 6 inches below average for this time of year.
If you look at the graph you can see the water level is currently higher than it was during the opener.
JP
Thanks for the explanation!
Yeah just up there 2 weeks ago on Rainy. No lower than usual in my opinion
The site is Kettle Portage, which is just west of the damn. We’d be coming in from the Ash River Access. Just hoping I’ll be able to use the dock at the site.
It’s pretty short from the pictures I’ve seen, so not a lot of room for error.
I think you’ll be fine. I’ve got a 18.5’ Tyee and tied up there fine. It’s pretty protected that close to the dam.
We were up the last full week in July on Namakan (wolf pack islands) and had our most consistent bite in 7-10’ near weeds. Usually I’m rigging 25-30 about then but I just didn’t mark fish consistently on the reefs.
The guys at Kettle Falls did say the reef fishing was very good on the Rainy side.
Enjoy, it’s not the BW but a good time can be had for sure!
Very good point JasonP! I’d completely spaced that…
Thank you for correcting my blanket low water statement.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
