Boundary Waters Trip Reports, Blog, BWCA, BWCAW, Quetico Park

BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog

March 15 2024

Entry Point 16 - Moose/Portage River (North of Echo Trail)

Moose/Portage River (north) entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by La Croix Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 27 miles. Access is a 160-rod portage heading North from the Echo Trail.

Number of Permits per Day: 5
Elevation: 1348 feet
Latitude: 48.1230
Longitude: -92.0991
A favorite route offering many trip options and memorable things to see including;

World Class fishing for all four BWCA Species
Pictographs
Soaring granite hills and cliffs
Small lakes
Small rivers
Tumbling rapids and waterfalls
Wildlife, including Moose
Vistas from high points across the region if you're willing to climb. Rating Easy to Moderate. Day One. Get to EP16 off of the Echo Trail early. The initial portage is long, but well worn and smooth, sloping gently downgrade to the launch area. Load your canoe and head North. You'll be paddling with the slight current on this narrow winding river. The water is clear and make sure to tell the bowperson to watch for looming rocks!

A Trip of First's

by johcal
Trip Report

Entry Date: May 14, 2008
Entry Point: Moose/Portage River (north)
Number of Days: 5
Group Size: 4

Trip Introduction:
Any Boundary Waters trip is special, but a trip with first's is a time to remember...

Day 1 of 5


Wednesday, May 14, 2008 We drove up today and plan on staying the night at Lake Meander, just a few miles from our entry point 16. I have the pleasure of going with three great other guys. Ray Hanson is a friend of mine and the man responsible for getting me hooked on the BWCA a year ago this May. Ever since I have been dreaming of amazing sunsets and fishing you can only experience in the BWCA. Dave Motley is a old friend of Ray's and now I consider him a good friend of mine. A man's man and someone I enjoy bantering back and forth with. Chris Schultheis is not only a friend of mine but my brother in law and his FIRST time in the BWCA.

 



Day 2 of 5


Thursday, May 15, 2008 We woke up today ready to take on the Moose River Portage with anticipation and plenty of energy. We made our way up to Lake Agnes where we set up camp, ate lunch and then went out fishing. We caught a healthy number of walleyes, and about 5 crappies. The crappies were surprisingly smaller than last years class. But we had plenty to eat, and a a fun time talking the night away. Chris decided to throw a spoon off our shore for a little bit after dinner, and he caught his FIRST monster Northern Pike. It was about 31" if I remember correctly and a great memory for Chris, and I was happy I could share that with him.

 



Day 3 of 5


Friday, May 16, 2008 Today we decided to make the short trip over to Oyster Lake to attempt and hunt down some Lake Trout. We didn't have the best luck as a group, but I caught my FIRST ever Lake Trout. It was a healthy 3 lb. trout. Even though that's the only fish we brought back from Oyster, it was worth the trip. We headed back to Agnes in the afternoon to catch some dinner, and we did that with ease. The Walleyes seemed to heat up a little more today. Which was a great change of pace from Oyster. Diner was great...the menu was Trout, Walleye, and a large Northern with Mash Potatoes and I think we had carrots on the side.

 



Day 4 of 5


Saturday, May 17, 2008 This is our last day of fishing and it was a challenging one. The wind on Agnes today was difficult to say the least. We stayed out in it, when it seemed everyone else was on shore trying to stay dry and warm (can't blame 'em). But we stuck it out and it was worth it in the end. Ray and Dave were absolutely pounding the walleyes. I think Chris and I had caught 4 eyes to there 12 eyes. They limited out. I was happy to see that, but ticked I wasn't getting the same action. Right about then I nabbed a huge monster. A 34" Northern that we weighed in at 11 lbs. This is my FIRST Northern over ten lbs. What a memory...we ended the night with great food, and better yet, sharing great stories over a great fire.

 



Day 5 of 5


Sunday, May 18, 2008 Today is the sadest day of the year so far. I am sad to leave and look forward to the next trip. Thanks Ray, Dave, and Chris for the memories...

 


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