BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
July 12 2025
Entry Point 1 - Trout Lake
Trout Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (25 HP max). This entry point is supported by La Croix Ranger Station near the city of Cook, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 30 miles. Access from LakeVermilion via 60-rod canoe portage or 180-rod portage that allows the use of portage wheels. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 12
Elevation: 1381 feet
Latitude: 47.9144
Longitude: -92.3220
Trout Lake - 1
Number of Permits per Day: 12
Elevation: 1381 feet
Latitude: 47.9144
Longitude: -92.3220
Trout Lake - 1
2016 Sag to Seagull
by fishonfishoff
Trip Report
Entry Date:
September 02, 2016
Entry Point:
Saganaga Lake
Exit Point:
Seagull Lake (54)
Number of Days:
9
Group Size:
4
Trip Introduction:
We are a group of guys from Ohio who make a week long trip to BWCA every 2 years. It is a trip which is looked forward to by everyone involved. There is more time "planning" these trips than the trip itself! This year we have Deny "camping expert", Tom (Goose) "fishing expert, Brian "mister everything outdoors", and myself Tom "trip planner".
Day 1 of 9
Friday, September 02, 2016. Our group normally has been driving straight through to BWCA on the way up. This year it was decided to lay over somewhere north of Chicago. Everyone met at my house and after packing, we were on the road just before 4:00 pm. Goose drove his suburban and everything was going smooth until we hit Chicago. Traffic was bad and we also had to detour around an accident. Finally we were out of Chicago and ended up in Madison Wisc where we enjoyed a few brews before falling asleep in a Hampton hotel. 
Day 7 of 9
Saturday, September 03, 2016 We had an early breakfast in the hotel then hit the road. Lunchtime found us in Duluth where we ate at the Northern Waters Smokehaus. On the road again with Goose still doing the driving, we made a pitstop at the Grand Marais Ranger Station to pick up our PMA permit. There we met Barb at the counter. Barb was very nice and efficient but one thing she said stuck with us the entire trip. When we asked her some questions about the PMA, she said "WE REALLY DON'T WANT YOU IN THERE"! This comment came up many times in the trip, LOL. Leeches were purchased at the Holiday Gas Station, and Brian bought many local brews from the store across the road. I took over driving the last hour up to Seagull Outfitters. After arranging everything with Brittany in the store and tying the leeches up to the dock, we checked out the Paddlers' lodge where we encountered our first portage. 
In the store was a nice gentleman who said he liked my BWCA.com shirt. During the short conversation I found out it was Kiporby who proceeded to give me some valuable tips on our trip. I wish we could have talked much longer as I felt his knowledge of this area was great. Feeling hungry we drove to the Trails End Cafe where we met EDDIE, the chef in the kitchen. Our crew hit it off with EDDIE who we thought would be a "Woodstock participant" if he was a lot older. By the way, he does make good pizza and Philly Cheese Steaks. Heading back to the lodge more brews were downed and we hit the bunks. Don't tell Seagull but I slept in the adjoining room for the peace and quiet. This was mostly a favor to the other 3 members. 
In the store was a nice gentleman who said he liked my BWCA.com shirt. During the short conversation I found out it was Kiporby who proceeded to give me some valuable tips on our trip. I wish we could have talked much longer as I felt his knowledge of this area was great. Feeling hungry we drove to the Trails End Cafe where we met EDDIE, the chef in the kitchen. Our crew hit it off with EDDIE who we thought would be a "Woodstock participant" if he was a lot older. By the way, he does make good pizza and Philly Cheese Steaks. Heading back to the lodge more brews were downed and we hit the bunks. Don't tell Seagull but I slept in the adjoining room for the peace and quiet. This was mostly a favor to the other 3 members.
Day 10 of 9
Sunday, September 04, 2016 Walked over to Seagull around 6:30 for our 7:00 tow to American Point. Coffee was served while the van was loaded up. In the office I met Deb and commented on my meeting with Kiporby. She said he was a very nice man and a great customer. The short drive to the Sag entry point was timed perfectly as the tow boat arrived as we were unloading. 
About 1/2 way out to American Point Goose turns to me and said, "Where are our leeches?" It didn't take long and we figured out they were still tied to Seagull Outfitter's dock! Our fishing may have suffered but on the bright side, it made portaging a little easier. 
We pushed off of American Point and our trip was finally on! Brian and Deny took one Souris River with Goose and I in the other. Sag was fairly calm with a slight wind in our face. On smallie caught by Deny and one slight map reading mis-step found us at Monument Portage. 
We met 2 groups on the portage which started a trend of seeing more people than we expected. Going through Ottertrack went quick but we found the winds picked up as we headed into Ester. Our sights were set on the island site to the north. It was taken along with the site to the east, so we paddled around the island and settled in the site to the east. It was fairly large and would work fine. Trolling the bay to the west found one laker in our canoe caught by Goose. 
Dinner that night was a special one never before seen by our group..................fresh food! 
Ribeyes and potatoes! They were well worth the extra weight on the portages.
About 1/2 way out to American Point Goose turns to me and said, "Where are our leeches?" It didn't take long and we figured out they were still tied to Seagull Outfitter's dock! Our fishing may have suffered but on the bright side, it made portaging a little easier. We pushed off of American Point and our trip was finally on! Brian and Deny took one Souris River with Goose and I in the other. Sag was fairly calm with a slight wind in our face. On smallie caught by Deny and one slight map reading mis-step found us at Monument Portage. We met 2 groups on the portage which started a trend of seeing more people than we expected. Going through Ottertrack went quick but we found the winds picked up as we headed into Ester. Our sights were set on the island site to the north. It was taken along with the site to the east, so we paddled around the island and settled in the site to the east. It was fairly large and would work fine. Trolling the bay to the west found one laker in our canoe caught by Goose. Dinner that night was a special one never before seen by our group..................fresh food! Ribeyes and potatoes! They were well worth the extra weight on the portages.
Day 3 of 9
Monday, September 05, 2016 Everyone was sleeping when the rain began. It rained heavier as daylight approached. 
forecast was for no letup so it was decided to down some breakfast bars and head to our PMA. We were quickly into Hanson but had some issues finding the route to Link. This only adds to the entertainment value of these trips. Fishing Link and Gift saw both canoes catching and releasing smaller pike and smallies. Fish lake looked promising except for a campsite. Finally Deny and Brian spotted a previous site up on a huge route on the southern shore. Camp was set up with our tent right next to some fallen fruit. 
I was told they were "MOOSEPLUMS". Goose & I found a lily pad area that was full of pike. Brian cooked up 4 of them for supper which were as delicious as rest of our meals. Watching the evening fire we noticed a whole lot of lightning action to the south. 
forecast was for no letup so it was decided to down some breakfast bars and head to our PMA. We were quickly into Hanson but had some issues finding the route to Link. This only adds to the entertainment value of these trips. Fishing Link and Gift saw both canoes catching and releasing smaller pike and smallies. Fish lake looked promising except for a campsite. Finally Deny and Brian spotted a previous site up on a huge route on the southern shore. Camp was set up with our tent right next to some fallen fruit. I was told they were "MOOSEPLUMS". Goose & I found a lily pad area that was full of pike. Brian cooked up 4 of them for supper which were as delicious as rest of our meals. Watching the evening fire we noticed a whole lot of lightning action to the south.
Day 6 of 9
Sunday, September 04, 2016 Walked over to Seagull around 6:30 for our 7:00 tow to American Point. Coffee was served while the van was loaded up. In the office I met Deb and commented on my meeting with Kiporby. She said he was a very nice man and a great customer. The short drive to the Sag entry point was timed perfectly as the tow boat arrived as we were unloading. About 1/2 way out to American Point Goose turns to me and said, "Where are our leeches?" It didn't take long and we figured out they were still tied to Seagull Outfitter's dock! Our fishing may have suffered but on the bright side, it made portaging a little easier. We pushed off of American Point and our trip was finally on! Brian and Deny took one Souris River with Goose and I in the other. Sag was fairly calm with a slight wind in our face. On smallie caught by Deny and one slight map reading mis-step found us at Monument Portage. We met 2 groups on the portage which started a trend of seeing more people than we expected. Going through Ottertrack went quick but we found the winds picked up as we headed into Ester. Our sights were set on the island site to the north. It was taken along with the site to the east, so we paddled around the island and settled in the site to the east. It was fairly large and would work fine. Trolling the bay to the west found one laker in our canoe caught by Goose. Dinner that night was a special one never before seen by our group..................fresh food! Ribeyes and potatoes! They were well worth the extra weight on the portages.
About 1/2 way out to American Point Goose turns to me and said, "Where are our leeches?" It didn't take long and we figured out they were still tied to Seagull Outfitter's dock! Our fishing may have suffered but on the bright side, it made portaging a little easier. We pushed off of American Point and our trip was finally on! Brian and Deny took one Souris River with Goose and I in the other. Sag was fairly calm with a slight wind in our face. On smallie caught by Deny and one slight map reading mis-step found us at Monument Portage. We met 2 groups on the portage which started a trend of seeing more people than we expected. Going through Ottertrack went quick but we found the winds picked up as we headed into Ester. Our sights were set on the island site to the north. It was taken along with the site to the east, so we paddled around the island and settled in the site to the east. It was fairly large and would work fine. Trolling the bay to the west found one laker in our canoe caught by Goose. Dinner that night was a special one never before seen by our group..................fresh food! Ribeyes and potatoes! They were well worth the extra weight on the portages.
Day 11 of 9
Wednesday, September 07, 2016 This was a lazy day for us so we did some yoga? 
daydreaming 
and strategizing 
Needing some more firewood everyone paddled to a distant shoreline and we filled both canoes with dead birch. We had enough to leave some for the next visitors. I had a special moment in paying tribute to my brother-in-law, fishing partner, and great friend, Terry. He would have loved the BWCA but never really camped before. I told his family I was taking him along this year so I did. RIP Terry. 
Sitting around camp we were honored by the presence of a ruffled grouse and hare, both which had no fear of humans. Brian did his world famous calzones for supper then we tried our luck again fishing. Only smaller smallies and a couple pike were caught and released.
daydreaming and strategizing Needing some more firewood everyone paddled to a distant shoreline and we filled both canoes with dead birch. We had enough to leave some for the next visitors. I had a special moment in paying tribute to my brother-in-law, fishing partner, and great friend, Terry. He would have loved the BWCA but never really camped before. I told his family I was taking him along this year so I did. RIP Terry. Sitting around camp we were honored by the presence of a ruffled grouse and hare, both which had no fear of humans. Brian did his world famous calzones for supper then we tried our luck again fishing. Only smaller smallies and a couple pike were caught and released.
Day 15 of 9
Friday, September 09, 2016 In the morning we met the same group as yesterday. They tried to find a spot on Jasper with no luck so backtracked into Seagull! Wind was still at our backs in Seagull on our goal of finding one of our chosen spots proved fruitless. In fact all spots seemed to be taken! Finally an open site appeared on a island near 3 mile island. If was big but had a rough landing area. 
The (3) 5 gallon food buckets were getting very low but not empty. Mashed taters with hamburger for lunch and spaghetti with hamburger and pepperoni sauce for dinner. In between we did some relaxing and cutting up some more firewood. Clouds brought in a quick but heavy rains and a great sunset. 
No alcohol left, we hit the hay extra early. Deny found out there was a puddle in his tent and he spent the night under the big tarp. It had to be a long night for him.
The (3) 5 gallon food buckets were getting very low but not empty. Mashed taters with hamburger for lunch and spaghetti with hamburger and pepperoni sauce for dinner. In between we did some relaxing and cutting up some more firewood. Clouds brought in a quick but heavy rains and a great sunset. No alcohol left, we hit the hay extra early. Deny found out there was a puddle in his tent and he spent the night under the big tarp. It had to be a long night for him.
Day 17 of 9
Friday, September 09, 2016 In the morning we met the same group as yesterday. They tried to find a spot on Jasper with no luck so backtracked into Seagull! Wind was still at our backs in Seagull on our goal of finding one of our chosen spots proved fruitless. In fact all spots seemed to be taken! Finally an open site appeared on a island near 3 mile island. If was big but had a rough landing area. 
The (3) 5 gallon food buckets were getting very low but not empty. Mashed taters with hamburger for lunch and spaghetti with hamburger and pepperoni sauce for dinner. In between we did some relaxing and cutting up some more firewood. Clouds brought in a quick but heavy rains and a great sunset. 
No alcohol left, we hit the hay extra early. Deny found out there was a PUDDLE IN HIS TENT AND HE SPENT the night under the big tarp. It had to be a long night for him.
The (3) 5 gallon food buckets were getting very low but not empty. Mashed taters with hamburger for lunch and spaghetti with hamburger and pepperoni sauce for dinner. In between we did some relaxing and cutting up some more firewood. Clouds brought in a quick but heavy rains and a great sunset. No alcohol left, we hit the hay extra early. Deny found out there was a PUDDLE IN HIS TENT AND HE SPENT the night under the big tarp. It had to be a long night for him.
Day 21 of 9
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Due to the 15 hour drive we left camp just before sunrise. The water was glass calm and nobody else seemed to be up yet. This made a very enjoyable but yet sad paddle as our trip was about over. We paddled into the outfitters at 7:00 to find out they don't open until 8:00. Deb was there and was nice enough to give us towels so we could take our mandatory showers. Brian found his leech locker still tied to the dock but the leeches weren't good enough to be given away. Goose started out the long journey back to Ohio stopping at 5 Guys, Burgers and Fries in Duluth. Deny took over north of Chicago and drove the rest of the way. Many conversations went on including planning the next trip to the BWCA. The suburban pulled into my driveway about 11:00 pm and each went his own way home after unloading. This was a fantastic trip with all 4 guys pulling equal weight. It rained about every day, fishing was somewhat slow, many more people than we expected, but no one complained at all. It was a extra special trip for me as I finally got my brother-in-law Terry up there and it made up for when I had to back out the night before (2) years ago due to my wife's breast cancer surgery. She is doing great now. I can't wait to go back. PS: Sorry about the bad grammar....I ain't no English scholar plus I'm drinking Margaritas and watching football.
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