WjColdWater
Senior Member
I’ve been blessed with a wife that puts up with a substantial fishing addiction. Carol gave me the thumbs up for a up north MN. road trip to scratch the addiction itch. With all the Covid regulations planning a responsible trip took a few days of preparation. I chose the Leach Lake area based on past trips and campground availability. Federal Dam campground is located on the north end of Leach Lake a perfect place to base camp for fishing several lakes. Camper was stocked with a weeks supply’s of provisions and online reservations made. The campground only excepted online reservations to avoid unnecessary contact for campground employees. The campground is run by the Army Corps of Engineers a very nice campground. Sites are spacious and shaded perfect for a Truck/ boat combo. I finished a trailer inspection and loaded extra repair supplies ( spare hub and spindle) and tools to complete a R+R on the road. The new Ford super cab is a blessing for all the spare gear. The FWC is a perfect for a self contained trip without using any public facilities. We had know idea that our camper purchase would fit the bill for current conditions. I planned my route to bypass Minneapolis for obvious reasons taking mainly two lane roads. This made the trip miles/time a little longer but, I enjoyed the county side scenery. The trip one way was over 600 miles one way. This would be the longest trip for the new f-150 with the combo. With face coverings and disposable gloves in hand I made the trek north.
Combo ready to roll.
Federal Dam campsite.
You know you’re in Minnesota when you see this guy.
The Clam bug enclosure a must for voracious mosquitoes! Excellent piece of equipment easy up and down.
The first few days had cold front conditions making fishing tough but, perfect camping weather.
After the front passed I dialed in a nice off shore pattern.
My off shore pattern held up for the remainder of this trip. Weather was stable with only one night with rain. Multiple lakes were explored with some new water R+D exploration completed. Wildlife observed was a special treat as always. Loons with chicks, Otters, deer, songbirds of many species, Pileated woodpeckers, waterfowl with young of the year in tow. A wonderful experience to see all that nature renewing life. The trip home was uneventful and the gear clean up was a three day event. The sand gravel lake access roads are tough on gear but, worth the effort.
Be safe all and enjoy when you can!
Wayne
Combo ready to roll.
Federal Dam campsite.
You know you’re in Minnesota when you see this guy.
The Clam bug enclosure a must for voracious mosquitoes! Excellent piece of equipment easy up and down.
The first few days had cold front conditions making fishing tough but, perfect camping weather.
After the front passed I dialed in a nice off shore pattern.
My off shore pattern held up for the remainder of this trip. Weather was stable with only one night with rain. Multiple lakes were explored with some new water R+D exploration completed. Wildlife observed was a special treat as always. Loons with chicks, Otters, deer, songbirds of many species, Pileated woodpeckers, waterfowl with young of the year in tow. A wonderful experience to see all that nature renewing life. The trip home was uneventful and the gear clean up was a three day event. The sand gravel lake access roads are tough on gear but, worth the effort.
Be safe all and enjoy when you can!
Wayne
