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

BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog

March 28 2024

Entry Point 62 - Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (10 HP max). This entry point is supported by Gunflint Ranger Station near the city of Grand Marais, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 33 miles. Motors allowed on Clearwater Lake only. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1673 feet
Latitude: 48.0702
Longitude: -90.3752
Clearwater Lake - 62

1st Winter Trip

by KarlK
Trip Report

Entry Date: March 14, 2020
Entry Point: Daniels Lake
Number of Days: 3
Group Size: 1

Trip Introduction:
These days, summer trips are just not possible. I decided to try a quick winter trip to Daniels lake.

Day 1 of 3


Saturday, March 14, 2020

I arrived at the parking area off Hungry Jack road in the early afternoon. It was warm, clear and calm. The hike across Hungry Jack was easy, despite the heavy sled I was towing. In soft snow conditions, I would have needed to shuttle smaller loads using snowshoes. The portage to Daniels was also very easy, and travel conditions worsened only slightly on Daniels. I made my way east about 1/3rd of a mile to a point on the south shore.  I drilled a hole in about 40 feet of water, set a tip-up with a live minnow and drilled my way toward shore.  I found a steeper break and set up a small Otter hub shelter in about 28'. Weather was great but fishing was tough, with only 1 fish marked before I called it a night.  

 



Day 2 of 3


Sunday, March 15, 2020

I was up early to fish today, and it was not long before the lakers began biting. The hub shelter was very comfortable to sleep in, and I was able to wake up and begin fishing in heated comfort almost immediately. This was crucial, as the mid-day and afternoon bite was very slow. Fishing was steady from 6:30-11, and slow after that. I caught a few fish on a slip bobber rigged with a glow demon and live fathead, but the Lindy rattlin' flyer tipped with a small fathead was getting bit every time I marked a fish. This was the first time I was had ever targeted lake trout, and they were great fun. I would love to battle a 20lb+ fish. Most were very aggressive and arrived in groups. The largest fish was probably 16-18", with most fish closer to 14".  As fishing slowed in the afternoon, I enjoyed a hike into the narrow area of the lake. I checked out a campsite near the small island and saw a set of wolf tracks on the north shore. Walking on the lake was easy, and the scenery was beautiful. Fishing in the evening was very slow.  

 



Day 3 of 3


Monday, March 16, 2020 I woke to a fresh 3" of heavy, wet snow. The shelter performed well, and I was exited to drop lines. It was not as good as the previous morning, but I was able to catch 3 more lakers as I packed up. The hike out was a bit more challenging with the snow, but not bad.  I had a great time. I appreciate the members here who offer tips on how to travel, camp and fish in the BWCA. 

 


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