A stormy canoe camping, fishing trip to Crotch Lake in Ontario

The early August 2023 forecast for Crotch Lake was sketchy ... stiff winds and the potential for three days of thunderstorms, but the campsite was booked and it was time to go and explore a new back-country experience. So, the gear was loaded into the canoe and off I went into the North Frontenac Park Lands, a hybrid "front country" and "back country" camping experience in Frontenac County in Eastern Ontario, Canada.
The winds were stiff, but not as bad as forecast. The storms were powerful, but the biggest rumbles came during the overnights, meaning there was a chance to get out fishing each day.
This trip combined fishing, camping and exploring a completely new region, and I was able to connect with both smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as northern pike.
It included a couple of additional challenges when my camp stove was destroyed while I was making coffee on the first morning ... and my Go Pro also went out of commission.
But improvisation is a crucial element of successful back country camping, and that and my trusty iPhone stood me well on this trip. If you've had similar experiences, drop me a line in the comments, I love hearing about how folks overcome problems big and small.
You can also drop me a note about your own experiences in the North Frontenac Park Lands ... I am planning to return.

[@eprohoda]

Don- Woohoo~amazing !✨

[@donwilcox-outdoorsmore5829]

Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed.

[@NotSoEpicAdventurer]

Looked like it was a fun trip, thanks for sharing. I’ll have to try this area soon!

[@donwilcox-outdoorsmore5829]

Definitely a fun time! Thanks for stopping by and having a look. If you do decide to visit, and have any questions, I'm happy to help.

[@daveanderson6961]

Too bad about the weather but that’s the adventure!

[@donwilcox-outdoorsmore5829]

Exactly, and thanks! My past couple of trips had been blessed with amazing weather, so I knew I was due for a challenge or two at some point. It's all good! Just part of the "fun". Any hey, maybe that's why they call it "roughing it", though with our gear nowadays it's not all that rough.

[@swiftypaddler]

That was some storm Don! Glad you fared well. Crotch Lake is a long time favourite of mine for quick getaways; one of several nice North Frontenac options, although most (not all) have more cottages than Crotch. 😀👍

[@donwilcox-outdoorsmore5829]

The thunderstorms were fairly impressive it times, that's for sure! I intend to do a lot more exploring in the park, too, so I'll keep my eyes peeled for ya!

[@andre67172]

Where is the launch ramp that is shown in the end of the video located?

[@donwilcox-outdoorsmore5829]

Hi and thanks for watching! The ramp is at the northern end of the lake, and is accessed from South Bush Road. The road starts at the village of Ompah. Note that during the operating season for the park you need a permit to use the road and launch, so check the park regulations for whatever activity you are planning. It’s a beautiful lake, so enjoy!