Fetters Lake
A fetter is a link in a chain. A fetter is also another name for a manacle. Since Fetters Lake forms a link in a long chain of small lakes that creates a route through this area, I tend to think its name may refer to that particular.
A large 1875 fire that likely ignited somewhere near Lake Insula and the Hog Lake area. The fire is known as the Alice Lake/Ogishkemuncie Lake/Tuscarora Lake/Cherokee Lake Complex.
One of the huge 1863-64 fires, namely the North Kawishiwi River/Alice Lake/Cypress Lake/Saganaga Lake Complex, ravaged this area. This fire likely started near the town of Isabella, Minnesota.
This fire started within what is now the Hairy Lake Primitive Management Area. The ignition point was probably somewhere between Mass Lake and Auk Lake. This fire, which took place in 1846, is called the Auk Lake/Long Island Lake/Cross Bay Lake Complex.
Way back in 1727, the Gordon Lake/Brule Lake/Winchell Lake Complex burned this area. It probably began somewhere near Sawbill Lake.
Approach to Fetters Lake
From Iris Lake: There is a faint trail connecting Iris Lake to Fetters Lake. The trail starts from the southwest tip of Iris Lake.
From Octopus Lake: From what appears to be the head of Octopus Lake, head north along a faint trail to Fetters Lake.
Bushwhack to Fetters Lake
From Iris Lake: Trip reports indicate a faint trail from Iris Lake into Fetters Lake. Follow it for about 60 rods starting at the southwest tip of Iris Lake.
From Octopus Lake: A faint, but obvious trail snakes through the forest for 40 rods from the north end of Octopus Lake up to Fetters Lake.
Exploring Fetters Lake
Fetters Lake probably receives little exploration since most paddlers are more interested in reaching Iris Lake or Sora Lake when passing through this area. There is mention in some Internet trip reports of some old junk piles somewhere along the shoreline of Fetters Lake. Take a look around for it. By the way, this old junk is considered historical now and should not be taken from the BWCA.
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