In a little over a week I'll be putting in on EP 14, up the Little Indian Sioux towards Oyster. Planning to base camp on Oyster and make day trips out toward Rocky, Agnes, Moose River, etc.

I'm wondering if the longer portage between Agnes and the Oyster River should be used, considering the picture of people who elected the 20 rod portage, up to their armpits in mud on the Oyster River.

Anyone have perspective on this? Thanks!

The portage has never been that muddy when I have been through and didn't particularly notice it, but there are a few portages that can be terrible when conditions are right (bottle portage comes to mind).

If coming from Agnes the longer portage is more convenient then the winding river route though. The Oyster river is very winding and has a few beaver dams some years, so walking the longer portage ends up being quicker and easier most times. If traveling to or from Oyster to EP 16 I have taken the shorter portage w/o issue.

I'd just take the portage.

We enjoyed the Oyster river. It felt a little like the African Queen river in places. The opening from the river is a little hard to find. We probably didn't hit it exactly, but followed the current and if opened up a bit. I don't remember much about the 20 rod portage so I guess it was ok. Maybe a little muddy. We hit several that day that seemed worse on the way up the Moose River.

Thanks for the suggestions. I imagine we'll be going back and forth so maybe we'll get an opportunity to test them both, otherwise, that 160 r. portage isn't all that long.

With high water, we were able to paddle right over the beaver dams and had no real issues on the river.

we took the oyster river when we went thru that area. don't know if it saved any tine at all, but we enjoyed it. there were a few beaver dams that we had to pull over but not a big deal. on the way out we were able to float over them because it rained all week we were there and the water had raised up.

Water levels are up. You should have no trouble navigating the Oyster River. It's also a lot prettier than the portage.

Since you are day tripping, your boat will be light enough either way. Last August heading up Moose River to Agnes I looked hard for that Oyster River route and could see no sign of it. I think it would be a lot easier to try it coming from Oyster rather than going to it. When I came down from Oyster River the water was lower so I chose to do the 160 portage. It may not be really long, but I remember it being pretty steep.

I don't recall it as ever a matter of muddy or enough water, rather a struggle for some to stay on track in the river. We came out of Oyster one year and I remember often standing up in the canoe to look ahead through those tall grasses for the most efficient route ahead. Sort of fun, but a lot of guys in our group didn't like it, preferring we take the route through Agnes Lake and portage the next time we go to Oyster rather than travel the river.

quote egknuti: "Water levels are up. You should have no trouble navigating the Oyster River. It's also a lot prettier than the portage."

And more adventurous.