Route reccomendations and tips

[The Great Aku]

So myself and a friend are going out to the island early to mid June for a canoe trip. We're both experienced back packers and im an experienced canoe camper also but this is my second time out there and his first. Last time I went was mid May so i know how the weather and temps can be there. The route plan so far is the Ranger 3 (non negotiable because were coming from central Michigan and the canoe weight) to rock harbor then water taxi to Chippewa harbor June 5th. From there do the south loop of lakes into lake Richie and the portage to Moskey basin, then spend two or three days working our way up rock harbor until we catch the ranger back on the 13th. If im understanding Jim Dufresne's book right, that route and ferry schedule should give us at least one or two days of down time when the weather decides we're not paddling but i figured i should ask instead of assume. This is a sight seeing and fishing trip so i'll take any tips for lookout spots and lures or baits to bring. Looking at the map and our conditioning im thinking we only need a single two portage day to guarantee we have time for wind bound days and I don't really care if that means we blow through lake Whittlesey and camp on Wood lake or we blow through intermediate lake and camp on lake Richie. I am planning on the portage from lake Richie to Moskey basin being a day itself, I know that ones a slog and I don't want to be in a position where we have to do that then still make it to Daisy Farm or Caribou Island. Other than that any suggestions, tips, or general forgotten info would be helpful.

[Ingo]

A week+ is more than enough time, good plan. You've got plenty of options to be flexible.

As for portaging, Chippewa to Wood isn't a bad day, the first portage is a bit rough, the second pretty easy after the climb out of Whittlesey. Similarly, Wood to Richie isn't bad either for a 2 portage day. But good idea to leave a whole day for Richie to Moskey, it's what I've done in the past (probably too old to do it again).

For campsites, have wanted to stop at Whittlesey as it looks like a nice spot and it's the only lake with walleye on your route, but have ended up only paddling by. Don't hear much about Intermediate campsite or fishing, have just paddled through once a long time ago, and seems like most folks do. The Wood and Richie canoe sites are both great spots with good fishing--either would be great to spend a couple days. When you get into Rock Harbor, Caribou Island is one of my favorites, if weather allows, especially if you can get one of the 2 shelters as it's also popular with fishermen. It's also a nice layover with the option of paddling over to the fishery, lighthouse, and research cabin--again if weather allows. Daisy Farm also allows you to get across the harbor with more protected waters to visit those spots.

I'm not the best for fishing advice, but have had the most luck with spoons--both for northern and lake trout. Typically have a floating Rapela for shallow spots and maybe a spinner or two, whatever fits in a small box.

Remember that water temps will be dangerously cold, so be extra cautious. I keep a complete set of dry clothes in a separate dry bag at all times, just in case (i.e. don't ever use until the last day home, 2 sets of wet/damp clothes don't do any good). And bring a good weather radio--reception might be iffy, but you can usually get something at least once a day.