Just wondering about the portage from East Bearskin to Crocodile in the winter. I have been reading the summer reports and everyone notes how steep the first 25 to 50 rods are. Has anyone made this trip in the winter? or have an idea of how difficult the portage would be towing a sled? Thanks in advance for any information you are able to provide.

I think you will be able to get up that portage without much difficulty. To me, it's not that steep. Have fun and let us know if you catch some walleyes!

Thanks for the help, although it's months away I'm already getting impatient. I will be sure to post how it goes

I think it would be a bitch if there is any snow at all, especially if you are pulling a sled. The grade is steep and full of rocks and boulders of all size. Good luck!!!

quote walllee: "I think it would be a bitch if there is any snow at all, especially if you are pulling a sled. The grade is steep and full of rocks and boulders of all size. Good luck!!!"

Do you think it is doable? I am thinking we could possibly drop off some of our gear and make a second trip through that part if we need to. How is the rest of the portage after that initial grade? We have been through some rough portages with lots of rocks and having to lift the sleds over downed trees but never up a 100ft hill.
Thanks for your input Walllee, the last thing I want is get there and not be able to get through that portage.

quote Forse08: "

quote walllee: "I think it would be a bitch if there is any snow at all, especially if you are pulling a sled. The grade is steep and full of rocks and boulders of all size. Good luck!!!"

Do you think it is doable? I am thinking we could possibly drop off some of our gear and make a second trip through that part if we need to. How is the rest of the portage after that initial grade? We have been through some rough portages with lots of rocks and having to lift the sleds over downed trees but never up a 100ft hill.
Thanks for your input Walllee, the last thing I want is get there and not be able to get through that portage."

The rest of the portage is pretty easy. That first 150 yards is the worst. The problem I can see with a longer sled is that there is a ton of sharp turns as you are climbing the grade. If I were you guys I would carry all my equipment to the top of the grade then re group. Doable yes, first part will be a pain, but as they say no pain ,no gain!!! Enjoy!!

Thanks again for the help Walllee! We will pack with the understanding that we will have to unload and reload again. I found a few pics of the portage online. Looks like we will just have to be patient and take our time hauling our gear up that hill. I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

I was wondering the same thing!! Anyone ever try the river through Trap lake? Safe or not?

It's nothing compared to Daniels.

quote walllee: "

quote Forse08: "

quote walllee: "I think it would be a bitch if there is any snow at all, especially if you are pulling a sled. The grade is steep and full of rocks and boulders of all size. Good luck!!!"

Do you think it is doable? I am thinking we could possibly drop off some of our gear and make a second trip through that part if we need to. How is the rest of the portage after that initial grade? We have been through some rough portages with lots of rocks and having to lift the sleds over downed trees but never up a 100ft hill.
Thanks for your input Walllee, the last thing I want is get there and not be able to get through that portage."

The rest of the portage is pretty easy. That first 150 yards is the worst. The problem I can see with a longer sled is that there is a ton of sharp turns as you are climbing the grade. If I were you guys I would carry all my equipment to the top of the grade then re group. Doable yes, first part will be a pain, but as they say no pain ,no gain!!! Enjoy!!"

Wait a second...are you trying to tell him that a 6' sled will be harder on the portage turns than a 17' canoe??? I don't understand...plz explain as I have never been there.

If the snow has any depth to it at all it will be hard. It is very steep in some areas, and pulling a sled up hill with some pretty tight turns in knee deep snow is hard. Not impossible by any means, but tough. He will be much better off to haul gear up to the top and then putting it on the sled for the rest of the walk.

A 17' canoe is not in the snow resisting turning, a sled/ toboggan is. That is one reason why portages are tougher with sleds than canoes.

We took the advice to unload, carry everything to the top and then reload the sled. It was a lot of work but I think its the way to go. Fishing wasn't specatular but we caught enough for a couple meals and to keep us entertained.

Everything is tougher in winter especially portages, but the lack of people make up for it tenfold.

Glad you guys had a good time. Croc is a great lake.

any pics of the trip?