Hi, all.

I am strapped for time this year, but desperately trying to get North. I usually travel in July, sometimes June.

If I were to plan a trip to Sawbill area in early/mid May, what could I expect in terms of weather, temps, # people, permit availability?

Weather could be sunny and 70, or 20, cloudy, and snow. Very fickle time of the year weather wise. You will see people, but not crowded compared to later in the summer. Permits should not be a problem.

Weather will be a crapshoot. Maybe 80 one day and snow the next. People numbers will depend on weather, especially around the weekend. If it calls for nice weekend, the early birds will be out and lakes near the entry points will be busy. A couple portages in, things will thin out quickly as they will also when Monday comes. So....permit numbers will also be weather dependent.

You could expect that ice out might not have happened. Sawbill can be later in the month some years like a lot of other Sawbill/Gunflint lakes. I have seen mention of a trip where the ice wasn't out yet when a fellow board member did a trip. Can't remember what they did.

THANK YOU!

Yes, I looked at the ice out maps. Looks like it should be rare, but I guess I'd have plan B, if so. My life is so crazy now, just a week of chilling at a campsite at Baker sounds okay to me. : ) If I could get permit. But, I am thinking they might have some first come campsites there?

Sounds like an interesting time to check out BWCA. I'd just have to be prepared for cold weather. I actually hope it does not get unseasonably warm because I'd like to see not many people.

Curious about the road to Sawbill that time of year related to snow, etc?

Thanks again for comments.

Curious about the road to Sawbill that time of year related to snow, etc?

Since they plow the road to Sawbill outfitters I don't think you will have any trouble getting to the lake. Be prepared for cold and rain.

Have a great trip.

Never been to Sawbill that time of year, but other lakes in the immediate area. If you get there before fishing opener you will be almost certain to have solitude. Opener and beyond will be weather dependent.

Expect shirt sleeves during the day and down jacket at night...but plan for down jacket the entire time to be safe. Also, if you suffer from seasonal allergies be aware that you may be done with them at home, but it's prime pollen season up North.

Yes, Baker Lake has rustic Forest service campsites outside the BWCAW. There is no need to worry about the Sawbill Trail (Cook Co Hwy 2). It is maintained all year; and if it does snow it wouldn’t be more than a couple of inches. I’m not sure about the road to Baker Lake or The Grade. They may be soft and rutted, but open. Most years look like last year weather wise. But see the variation that happened in 2016.

Thanks for all the details on conditions and roads. I do have horrible allergies, so good tip there, also.

I know this is super lazy, because I could look it up but when is fishing opener?

May 12th.

Great. Many thanks to everyone.

Baker lake EP in May is a great choice. Speaking from experience. You will have low number of insects, minimum crowds and you can travel as far/near as you want. Peterson lake has good walleye fishing and nature is wonderful.
No worries if winds pick up.

Also a FS Campground right next to the Baker Lake EP - first come/first serve.

You can expect few people, fewer mosquitoes and flies, and plenty of available permits.

As for weather expect snow flurries or more at least one day, and shirt sleaves and less for at least one day.

If your are prepared for 45 degress and an all day drizzle you'll be set.

Enjoy an awakening and refreshed landscape.

Be safe, paddle close to shore the water will be ice cold.

Here's a May trip report in the Sawbill area...

Little Sag East Loop from Sawbill