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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 12:38PM
2021 Bug Reports

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
scottiebaldwin 11/17/2021 10:53PM
adam: "Post your bug report of your recent experience on a trip.


"



Just throwing this out there; I used permethrin (clothes) and deet (skin) this year and got a total of three mosquito bites in thirteen days in June/July this year. I was impressed with how well the permethrin worked on my clothes, gear, and hammock. I barely needed bug dope at all. My two cents.
egknuti 10/18/2021 06:23PM
There were mosquitoes and gnats out last week. I got a few nasty bites. Looks like this weekend will put an end to it.
Bearpath9 08/20/2021 08:09AM
Got back yesterday from Lake one. A few skeeters, a couple of deer flies and one very annoying horse fly. Water levels are very low, I guessed a foot lower, but a ranger I ran into at a portage said more than that.
backpackingZombie 08/15/2021 04:23PM
Came out of snowbank & Ima area this week. Had no real problems outside of the random skeeter bites. You could hear them come out when the sun went down, but it didn't really impact the trip at all
rayman 08/13/2021 09:39PM
Just came out of Fall Lake a couple of days ago after a six day trip.. we had zero bug issues. Nobody in our group, 6 of us, put on repellent at all
Sam B 08/11/2021 06:24PM
Anyone have a recent bug report? I am going in a couple of weeks. I normally wear pants to avoid bugs on portages, but given the drought I'm guessing bugs are pretty seriously reduced in numbers and that I can get away with shorts.
Canoeinggal 07/19/2021 10:35PM
We take a fly swatter along on our trips. I also take a sheet to use on hot nights but during day I wrap my legs up to prevent bug bites when I’m just sitting around. I’ve seen a hat online with a “ gluetrap” on top to catch the black flies. Never have used it but might in the future.
Canoeinggal 07/19/2021 10:19PM
Just got back from Lac la Croix-tiger Bay Area. July 8-17.We stayed on a peninsula site. Never took out bug spray. We always get in tent just after sunset to avoid mosquitoes.
On a scale of 1-10 I’d say 1. We try to stay on a site with a breeze. We do spray our clothes before trip with something to repel mosquitoes. I sat in my swimsuit all day long with no bug spray . Black flies were minimal. Had a fly Swatter to knock them out.
lean 07/14/2021 08:28PM
danbogey: "Heading up Sunday for 10 days. We'll put the bug net in the truck and make the decision if we want to carry it. Rather not since I'm using Dan Cooke's 10x14 tarp for camp. The weather looks like it's warming up next week so we'll make a game-time decision once we're at the outfitters. We are all packed and ready for the trip up from Pittsburgh. I envy you guys/gals who are less than 10hrs from the BWCA :) "
DirtyDadbod 07/13/2021 06:34PM
Went in on Clearwater and stayed at campsite 7 from July 6th-10th. We had highs in the upper 60's-low 70's with lots of sun and little wind. I was stunned at how few bugs we had. Flies and mosquitoes were quite limited, didn't even need bug spray during the day and only a tiny bit at night. The only bad bug moment was our last night. Once the sun was completely down, the mosquitoes swarmed us, but we were getting ready for bed anyways so it didn't matter too much. I am sure that the abnormally dry weather and cold nighttime temperatures kept them at bay, and have probably come back out somewhat since the highs have been getting into the 80s again.
straighthairedcurly 07/06/2021 12:27PM
Just finished a loop out of Sawbill through the lady chain and the Louse River June 29-July5. Weather was very hot and dry except for a few showers on June 29th.
Mosquitoes were minimal the whole trip: only for an hour at dusk and in a few wet portage spots.
Stable flies, deer flies, and horse flies were awful at times. I always had a cloud at my bow and they attacked viciously at all hot, sunny portage landings. Fortunately at my layover campsite on Wine Lake they were minimal and I was even able to keep my screen doors open during the day.
Wood ticks: Had 1 on Trail Lake
Jaywalker 07/04/2021 10:48AM
Just finished a 10 day loop from Hog Creek down Perent River, up to number lakes and back to Kawishiwi. Bugs seemed to vary wildly from place to place. One campsite I woke up with literally hundreds of mosquitos between the mesh and the fly, and on another campsite I woke up with none. Mosquitos were worse in the mornings in most places, not to bad during the day and afternoon. Horse and Deer flies are out in force, but manageable (especially with a fly swatter). No black flies or no-see-ums, and only the occasional stable fly was seen. Wood ticks are still very active, especially in grassy areas. In one grassy campsite, I picked 11 off of me during the night - I think they crawled off my dog and onto me.
analyzer 06/26/2021 09:50PM
just came back from a 6 day ensign, ima, thomas, frazier, kek, vera, ensign counterclockwise loop. Bugs were minimal. We barely used any bug spray. Flies were non-existent until the 24th, when the temps climbed above 75. We had one night where you could hear the mosquito airforce at dusk, but other than that, not much to speak of. One tic, but we had permethrin on. Now that I think about it, maybe that's why our mosquito experience was minimal.
James K Polk 06/19/2021 07:53AM
Mayflies are safe and live short lives, beautiful insects.
whyzata 06/18/2021 07:53AM
I think it depends where you are. Spent a week on Lac La Croix with only Horse and deer fly problems. But on one bay with sandy beaches the ankle biters were horrible. Needed to wrap our feet and heads in 90 degree heat. They still find a way to get a nip in. Also, had the no-see-um problems on Farm Lake about a month ago. Bring bug dope and sun screen!
Jaywalker 06/17/2021 06:30PM
I don’t see any mention of stable flies (aka ankle biters) yet. Is that so?
BigTim 06/17/2021 06:07AM
Exited EP 64 Monday the 14th. 7 day trip. Pleasantly surprised. No black flies. Mosquitos came early AM and late evening. Never used bug dope. Horse flies were everywhere - but dragonflies were everywhere too.
bobbernumber3 06/16/2021 03:50PM
Tons of mayflies around Ely on various lakes. At least they are harmless. Deer flies are out in swarms and ready to bite!
HannahJWR 06/15/2021 06:19AM
My husband and I are hoping to do a day trip into the BWCAW from Farm Lake later this week (we’ll be in the area coming from the east coast) and I just saw a social media post that implied the mayflies are out on Lake Shagawa near Ely, and this has me worried. Any other reports of mayflies on lakes near Ely?? I once went kayaking near Lutsen during the end of a mayfly hatch and I’d like to avoid that in the future.


Thanks !
ThePeregrine 06/14/2021 09:41PM
Spent a few very warm days on Shell Lake last week, came out Thursday 6/10. No black flies, no ticks, and the mosquitoes were not bad until around sunset. The Horse Flies however were viscous, drawing blood more times than I can count. I try to go in early June the past few years to avoid Horse Fly problems I have encountered on August trips. I'm no expert, but I suspect the weather had something to do with it? Anyone have any Horse Fly advice for future trips (including anything else this year!)?
James K Polk 06/10/2021 07:00PM
Got shut out of the BWCA due to permit shortages.
Spent a week at Crescent Lake instead. Bugs were unbearable. Slapping 5 at a time on my legs and arms. My son looked like raw meat. Been up there 18 times and had more bugs in an afternoon than all other times combined. Yikes.
Savage Voyageur 06/10/2021 04:51PM
I just got back from Moose/Ensign. Only got one horsefly bite on my ankle. There were very few mosquitoes, no bites from mosquitoes.
pswith5 06/10/2021 05:58AM
Put in at Baker lake this past Sunday. Mosquitos were pretty bad for the 4 days i spent in Kelly lake area. A few black flies too.
Kalvan 06/08/2021 09:52AM
Put in on Clearwater on 6/2, stayed on Pine for two nights and West Pike for two nights. Bugs (mainly mosquitoes) were only an issue early in morning and at dusk. Wind, bug spray, and campfire helped keep them down. Only portage that was an issue for bugs was between West Pike and Clearwater.
CityFisher74 06/07/2021 10:01AM
Just got out, bugs were almost non existent on Ensign.
Speckled 06/07/2021 08:29AM
Came across my first ankle biters this weekend while out agate picking along the north shore. I despise those little bastards!
Zulu 05/31/2021 12:10PM
The mosquitoes and black flies have been active but tolerable at the End of The Gunflint Trail since last Thursday. The temperatures, according to NWS guy on WTIP are warming everyday this week (May 30th) and dew points are predicted to increase as the week goes on. High temperatures in the upper 80s, calm winds and high dew points this coming weekend is very good news for hatching insects and folks wanting to swim. The insects didn’t care about the hard freeze last Thursday and Friday nights I believe.
jlw034 05/31/2021 09:31AM
SAK this past week. Cold temps kept all bugs at bay until Sunday, then the skeeters popped big time. Never had to wear a net, but definitely went from zero to sixty in 24 hours after it warmed up.


Zero ticks, God bless permethrin.
whyzata 05/30/2021 12:26PM
For my trip on the Kawishiwi River the bugs were not an issue on the 16th. However, the warm temperatures brought them out from the 17th to the 22nd. Every day got worse. Mostly No-See-ums. Mosquitoes were not an issue. Also, by Saturday the 22nd I pulled off 10 to 15 ticks.
lindylair 05/30/2021 08:45AM
Just got back from 8 days in the Northwoods and BWCA, We had a couple warm days and the black flies were swarming, just love it when they ram into your forehead at full speed. Some were biting but overall we didn't have that many bites. But we also wore headnets during the worst periods. They would seem to come and go, swarm for an hour or two and then be gone until late afternoon again. Mosquitoes are around but not much of an issue.


We also had some very cool temps and a fair amount of wind for a couple days which helped both the black fly and mosquito situation, 2-3 days with highs in the mid to upper 40s or very low 50s and temps in the twenties at night - cooler than expected for sure.
That helped the bug situation a lot, not much around when mid day temps are around 46 degrees, or when the wind is howling at 20-30 mph. All in all not as bad as anticipated and manageable, even in the warm times. If you get hot days with little wind, they will find you.
bobbernumber3 05/28/2021 09:30AM
CityFisher74: "...
came here to see if anyone believes the mosquitos or flies have died off at all with these frosts yesterday and today."



Mosquitos over-winter in the cracks of bark on the trees. Frost may knock down the numbers some, but "They'll be Back", baby.
CityFisher74 05/27/2021 07:41AM
ockycamper: "I have to ask. . .why does anyone ever go to BWCA this time of year with that type of mosquito and black flies? We catch fish in the all as well. . .with no bugs and almost no people"


Well that's an easy one - the fall is hunting season.

Edit: came here to see if anyone believes the mosquitos or flies have died off at all with these frosts yesterday and today.
jlw034 05/25/2021 04:50PM
What temp kills black flies? If I'm freezing at 27 degrees on Thursday, they night as well be miserable too lol
butcher steve 05/25/2021 11:47AM
did our annual trip on fishing opener to crooked lake and the black flies were the worst I have ever seen this year.. not many mosquitoes than but I am sure there numbers are improving
WhiteWolf 05/23/2021 11:22PM
EstarkJPS: "ockycamper: "I have to ask. . .why does anyone ever go to BWCA this time of year with that type of mosquito and black flies? We catch fish in the all as well. . .with no bugs and almost no people"



Walleye"



No doubt. And shallow at that. With over 50+ trips to the bw/Q - mostly for fishing ( mainly walleye) - when the bugs have been at their worst the fishing is usually excellent. And much better than in the Fall. Just my .02.
EstarkJPS 05/23/2021 10:06PM
ockycamper: "I have to ask. . .why does anyone ever go to BWCA this time of year with that type of mosquito and black flies? We catch fish in the all as well. . .with no bugs and almost no people"


Walleye
moray 05/22/2021 08:38PM
Just got out today from entry #47. Black flies were present but not as bad as last year. I got a few bites but not the swarms from same week a year ago. Mosquitoes were also around but not very bothersome. Never put on head net or bug spray. I never even put on a coat the whole week. Weather was awesome!
egknuti 05/22/2021 08:25PM
ockycamper: "I have to ask. . .why does anyone ever go to BWCA this time of year with that type of mosquito and black flies? We catch fish in the all as well. . .with no bugs and almost no people"
Bugs are like the weather. It’s hot, it’s cold. We deal with it. The bugs ain’t going to stop me from being in the Bwca.
Oldtown13 05/21/2021 09:47PM
I must've lucked out- was on Gillis (Gunflint) from May 17-20th. Very few mosquitoes, even at dusk. There were some gnats, but were not biting. Rains came afternoon of the 19th and all morning the 20th. Mosquitoes were out in force on some portages from Gillis to Round, but otherwise were light.
dschult2 05/21/2021 02:36PM
ockycamper: "I have to ask. . .why does anyone ever go to BWCA this time of year with that type of mosquito and black flies? We catch fish in the all as well. . .with no bugs and almost no people"
Well to be fair the fishing opener was really a week later than usual this year due to the way the calendar fell. I usually only trip up to the first two weeks of May.
danbogey 05/21/2021 12:55PM
Just got back after a nine-day Frost River Loop (10th the 18th). We were pretty much bug-free until the last night on Alton. Gnats were out all the time but they really don't bother me since they don't bite. Black Flies on the last day.
AJ2008 05/21/2021 12:30PM
ockycamper: "I have to ask. . .why does anyone ever go to BWCA this time of year with that type of mosquito and black flies? We catch fish in the all as well. . .with no bugs and almost no people"


I usually go exclusively in September, but have gone in May a handful of times (will be going in next week).


Honestly, May usually isn’t bad. Last late May my son and I went and had zero bugs biting. Just midges down by the water but at a higher level. Mid June — in my opinion — is by far the worst for bugs.
Speckled 05/21/2021 12:23PM
ockycamper: "I have to ask. . .why does anyone ever go to BWCA this time of year with that type of mosquito and black flies? We catch fish in the all as well. . .with no bugs and almost no people"


It's been a long winter and we're reading to get out there. I'll go in the fall as well.
MikeinMpls 05/21/2021 11:33AM
ockycamper: "I have to ask. . .why does anyone ever go to BWCA this time of year with that type of mosquito and black flies? We catch fish in the all as well. . .with no bugs and almost no people"


Some theoretical answers to your question:


1. some people can only get time off work this time.


2. water levels are higher, and some paddlers like that.


3. days are longer than in September.


4. some paddlers enjoy the spring and seeing the forest "wake up" so-to-speak.


5. some paddlers have their own fishing opinions, and they find May a preferable time to fish.


6. May is the first of several BWCA trips, for those fortunate enough to have multiple trips per year.


IMHO, bugs are what you make of them. Like portages, they are an unpleasant but necessary reality of the BWCAQ (with the caveat that some people like portaging.) Over my 40+ years of BWCA paddling, I've learned to manage bugs as best I can using a system that works for me. Along with a headnet and occasional bug shirt, I use bug repellent at times (such as when portaging or fishing) but have switched to using the Thermacell device while in camp. It actually works. My wife and I each have one and can remain sufficiently bug-free when sitting in camp.


Mike


ockycamper 05/21/2021 09:28AM
I have to ask. . .why does anyone ever go to BWCA this time of year with that type of mosquito and black flies? We catch fish in the all as well. . .with no bugs and almost no people
foxfireniner 05/21/2021 09:23AM
And my daughter pulled off 2 ticks.
foxfireniner 05/21/2021 09:15AM
Just back from EP47.


Bugs weren't too bad May 14-17...some mosquitos but nothing life threatening.


May 18-20...the gnats! oh the gnats! I haven't seen that many gnats since my son's spring baseball games. Headnets came out 18-20. It is definitely headnet season for dusk walleye fishing.


On Gaskin, there were these little fly/bee hybrid looking bugs working like heck in the ground. They didn't bother us at all but I assume they will start biting the pee out of people whenever they finish whatever they were doing. If this island campsite is any indication, they will likely surge to plague level proportions.
Jaywalker 05/20/2021 09:31PM
Just back today from 9 day trip to Knife. No stable flies, deer flies, or horse flies, and I don’t think any no-see-ums. Black flies were swarming right at landing on Moose on day one and were fairly abundant throughout trip. Oddly I noticed first few days they swarmed me but did not seem to be biting yet. That changed last 3 or so days. I’m treating multiple arm and leg bites tonight. Mosquitos were fairly light until the warm weather and rains came in. Much worse today and yesterday vs a week ago. Tons of non-biting midges hatching now. Still annoying when they buzz or are inhaled.


Not a fly but wood ticks much worse than I’ve ever encountered. Usually I have no more than 2-3 per trip (on me or dogs), but this trip it was 5-6 per day. Had to pull two embedded in my own back. I treated my pants with permitherin her in before going, but suspect most on me crawled off my dog at night. Gladly no signs of deer ticks.
ockycamper 05/20/2021 05:43PM
Answer to Black flies and skeeters:


September
gravelroad 05/19/2021 03:40PM
Not my personal report, but these Facebook photos from somewhere along the North Shore on Saturday, May 15th, are instructive:





Mad_Angler 05/19/2021 09:45AM
I just back from Seagull (May 14-18).


The black flies (biting gnats) were very bad at times. They did let up occasionally and were not quite as bad as I had seen them in the past. I would give them a 7 out of 10 for annoyance level. A headnet was definitely required at times to get a break.


It was quite warm and steady. On the last day, a few mosquitos came out in the evening.
Speckled 05/19/2021 09:05AM
Brookie Lake - Ely Area - 05/18 - more gnats than i've ever experianced in my life. They were so thick, even a strong breeze didn't keep them at bay.
Neal Peck 05/18/2021 10:08PM
I know, I drive for 2 days to get in the water on the 3rd.
Kinda makes me want to move to Minnesota even with bugs.
dschult2 05/18/2021 09:03PM
Just got back from long island and crooked. Black flies starting to bite. Still no skeeters. That will change soon.
Speckled 05/18/2021 09:52AM
Long Island over opener - no skeets - Swarms of gnats. Started biting on sunday.


Knife River Valley Monday - Skeets hatched and are biting like mad.
gbgraves 05/16/2021 07:55PM
Slim Lake this weekend. Lot of black flies. Zero skeeters. Just one tick.
egknuti 05/15/2021 07:58PM
Black flies are definitely out and swarming. I also saw my first mosquito.
IronRangeMike 05/12/2021 07:46PM
Put docks in at the resort today. Swarmed by black flies the entire time. Only a few biters but a pain none the less. Going in Sunday. I’ll be packing the bug tent and head net.
IronRangeMike 05/12/2021 07:46PM
Double post. Delete
Speckled 05/11/2021 09:22PM
Was out Brook Trout fishing NW of Two Harbors today after work - Gnats were a pain. They weren't biting yet, just flying around my head and landing in my hair.
First bugs of the year.
Speckled 05/11/2021 09:21PM
Jaywalker: "Speckled: "SNF this last weekend - south of Ely. No mosquito, no sandflys. We pulled off about a 1/2 dozen ticks though."
Wood or Deer?"



Wood Ticks
Jaywalker 05/10/2021 08:38PM
Speckled: "SNF this last weekend - south of Ely. No mosquito, no sandflys. We pulled off about a 1/2 dozen ticks though."
Wood or Deer?
Speckled 05/10/2021 03:55PM
SNF this last weekend - south of Ely. No mosquito, no sandflys. We pulled off about a 1/2 dozen ticks though.
R00kie 05/10/2021 02:17PM
I was up on the SHT last weekend no flies mosquitoes or ticks to report.
AndyEck84 05/08/2021 05:23PM
Could have been swimmer's itch...
EstarkJPS 05/08/2021 05:05PM
BonzSF: "How about a chart for after the fact.
Like when I woke up with on the second to last morning with lower calves and ankles covered in little red bites. If I was in a sleazy hotel, I would've said bedbugs!
I had pictures but deleted them to erase the memory "



That sounds like No See Ums
EstarkJPS 05/08/2021 05:03PM
moray: "danbogey: "Heading up Sunday for 10 days. We'll put the bug net in the truck and make the decision if we want to carry it. Rather not since I'm using Dan Cooke's 10x14 tarp for camp. The weather looks like it's warming up next week so we'll make a game-time decision once we're at the outfitters. We are all packed and ready for the trip up from Pittsburgh. I envy you guys/gals who are less than 10hrs from the BWCA :) "



I also envy anyone living close to BW! My brother and I leave for our drive from SoCal a week from today. We are going in on the 16th. I will be watching this thread everyday as last year was the worst for black flies I’ve ever had. Went in on the 21st last year."



YOU AINT LYING!!!! Last year was NASTY I had phantom bites my whole trip back home lol
BonzSF 05/07/2021 11:04PM
How about a chart for after the fact.
Like when I woke up with on the second to last morning with lower calves and ankles covered in little red bites. If I was in a sleazy hotel, I would've said bedbugs!
I had pictures but deleted them to erase the memory
deerfoot 05/07/2021 01:14PM
dschult2: "deerfoot: "Not BWCA but just back from 3 days in the western UP. No annoying bugs other than small mosquito-like insects that don't bite. But nights were in the mid to low 30's and this morning there was a frost. Nice cool sunny days with no people around."
I envy you. In the LP myself. Must have been a great trip!"



It was - cool/cold temps day/night with no bothersome insects and almost no people. I am already looking forward to late October/early November. This is as close as I can get to the solitude of Canada at this time.
IronRangeMike 05/07/2021 12:00PM
Ticks, black flies, stable flies, and mosquitos are all out in limited quantities. They've been keep mostly at bay by frosts the last few nights and maybe the next couple as well. I predict they'll all be out in force by next weekend.....
dschult2 05/06/2021 08:55PM
deerfoot: "Not BWCA but just back from 3 days in the western UP. No annoying bugs other than small mosquito-like insects that don't bite. But nights were in the mid to low 30's and this morning there was a frost. Nice cool sunny days with no people around."
I envy you. In the LP myself. Must have been a great trip!
deerfoot 05/06/2021 07:20PM
Not BWCA but just back from 3 days in the western UP. No annoying bugs other than small mosquito-like insects that don't bite. But nights were in the mid to low 30's and this morning there was a frost. Nice cool sunny days with no people around.
moray 05/06/2021 09:06AM
danbogey: "Heading up Sunday for 10 days. We'll put the bug net in the truck and make the decision if we want to carry it. Rather not since I'm using Dan Cooke's 10x14 tarp for camp. The weather looks like it's warming up next week so we'll make a game-time decision once we're at the outfitters. We are all packed and ready for the trip up from Pittsburgh. I envy you guys/gals who are less than 10hrs from the BWCA :) "


I also envy anyone living close to BW! My brother and I leave for our drive from SoCal a week from today. We are going in on the 16th. I will be watching this thread everyday as last year was the worst for black flies I’ve ever had. Went in on the 21st last year.
x2jmorris 05/06/2021 06:20AM
I'll find out on May 23rd. I think I will be early enough to avoid most things. However just had my first deer tick of the year in Duluth already :(
danbogey 05/05/2021 07:20PM
Heading up Sunday for 10 days. We'll put the bug net in the truck and make the decision if we want to carry it. Rather not since I'm using Dan Cooke's 10x14 tarp for camp. The weather looks like it's warming up next week so we'll make a game-time decision once we're at the outfitters. We are all packed and ready for the trip up from Pittsburgh. I envy you guys/gals who are less than 10hrs from the BWCA :)
TuscaroraBorealis 05/05/2021 02:40PM
Paddled the Little Indian Sioux this past Saturday. No bothersome bugs or flies yet but, I did have my first tick of the season.
adam 05/05/2021 06:22AM
Post your bug report of your recent experience on a trip.