Well, this is our last post as we head into late fall and winter in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Thanks for reading!

Thought I’d share a video of what you can look forward to in 2012!

The 2011 paddling season is nearing its end in Wisconsin, but this article from Paddling Light contains a bunch of good tips and tricks for doing extended-season canoe camping, when rain, sleet and cold weather are possible, if not likely.

A few things caught my eye from the article:

• Seat pads can provide an extra bit of warmth instead of a plastic, metal or wooden seat in your canoe or kayak.
• An insulated mug is a great way to keep coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. at the right temperature on a blustery day.
• Carry two types of firestarter, since you’ll likely need to light a fire to keep warm or dry if off you take a dunk.
• Proper clothing is key. Dress in waterproof, breathable pants, shirts, etc. (you might even consider wearing a wetsuit or drysuit), but be sure you have the proper clothes for dry days, too.

All in all, use common sense when you pack for paddling trips in the late fall/early spring. It’s a great time to be out on the lakes and rivers when you’re looking for some peace and quiet without the throng of other canoeists and kayakers.

Do you like fishing for muskies on rivers or lakes?

There are plenty of opportunities to pursue muskies on the Chippewa and Flambeau Rivers. Even though paddling season is winding down, you can still find lots of action on the rivers. I’ve known lots of fishermen who have had success fly fishing and using topwater baits.

And fall’s the perfect time to track down those monster fish, too, since the water’s cooled down and prey fish move up the river. Take your opportunity to track down river muskies while you still can.

Great time for leaves right now — just about at peak. They probably won’t last too much past mid-October, so take advantage while you can.

Watch out for low spots — water’s at it’s typical fall level — especially on the South Fork and north of Park Falls.

It’s gonna be a great weekend to get out and see fall colors! I was out on Lake Wissota a couple weeks ago, and leaves were just starting to turn, but now they’ve gotta be real close to peak.

I love heading down the Chippewa and taking in the sights. What’s your favorite spot?

It’s been a little chilly and overcast here at Lake Wissota this week, but the sun should be out tomorrow and Sunday morning (if you can believe the forecasters, that is).

We’re starting to see a lot of fall colors up here, and if you ask me, there’s no better place to look at them than out on the lake.

If you’re planning on camping, bring plenty of warm clothes, but also note that the bathrooms on the left loop are closed for the rest of the season.

Water’s low on the Flambeau right now, it’s really noticeable on the south fork. You might have to drag your canoe a ways there. There’s low spots north of Park Falls too.

But still a good time to get out there — not as many bugs, cooler weather, and leaves getting ready to change. Great way to spend Sat. and Sun. afternoons in fall!

With fall weather coming to western Wisconsin this week the trees are showing signs of spotty color changes throughout Chippewa County. Enjoy paddling on the glacial lakes in the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Reserve and you’ll be sure to spot some beautiful fall colors soon. Or paddle around Brunet Island State Park and enjoy all that is offered in Cornell. Lake Wissota provides great recreational activities all year round and will not disappoint with this fall season. Paddle the lake and then take in an apple orchard or area winery while enjoy the sites and tastes that are Wisconsin. See you on the water!

Looking to reel in some smallmouths this weekend? How about tracking down some musky?

Well, now’s a good time for anglers to get out on the lakes and rivers, says Jason Gillis with Flambeau Adventures in Ladysmith.

He said while the water is low for those looking for a canoe or kayak adventure, angling opportunities abound across the area right now. Smallmouth are biting, and musky are starting to come up, Jason said, so it’s a good time to get out on the waterways.