2026 Kayak Season Underway

After a dismal ski season, the kayak season is now underway. I will have accrued 4 kayak day trips before we leave on May 4 for Austria. The photo shows my Ellesmere, ready for its first day of the season. It's a bit further back on the rack than it should be and there is no tail rope for the short and low speed drive to City Beach where I launch.

At this point the lake water level is still about 7' below summer's full pool level. This means I need to launch at City Beach until the water level comes up another foot, maybe a week away. But by then we'll be in Austria.

The water is currently in the 45 to 49 degree range. I no longer have a dry suit so when it the water is this cold, I wear a wet suit and paddle close to shore.

This is a great time of year on Lake Pend Oreille. Because the water is not yet at full pool level, most of the boat launch ramps are not yet usable except by the smaller fishing boats. Those are typically very quiet, often just drifting. I am often the only boat in sight and enjoy seeing the various waterfowl migrating through.