In 1998, I went through Horsefish on a solo trip.
The portage from Horsefish to Pace Lake, was flat, pine needled, and pleasant.
At the time, I recall thinking "If this doesn't get more use, it will be gone soon, as it was quite grown in then. That was 2 "Blowdowns" ago.
I wonder how that portage is now ?
Thought of going back someday.
Horsefish had that "spooky" feel to it.

Hey Stumpy - that's in a PMA, isn't it? The other site someone asked about PMA's the other day, I said you might've done that one... ?

That was sort of on the agenda years ago on a trip, but we just didn't get around to going there. Remember getting some input from you.
Any decent fish in that lake?

HowardSprague: "Any decent fish in that lake?"

Howie,
Sadly I only passed through and didn't camp or fish it.
By it's look, I'd guess it a decent pike lake. It seemed plenty deep enough.
It would be only speculation, but I'd bet against Walleye & smallmouth.
Maybe some largemouth.
What's funny, is I had never heard of PMA's yet...I was going where I wanted. I used some portages, that were only listed, on my old 100 series Fisher maps. Came through Gabimichigami, and bushed (slight remnant of portage) to Image Lake then Horsefish.
Like I said the portage to Pace was flat, and even sandy.


Here's a picture of Horsefish.
I did 67 portages on that trip, in 6 days / 5 nights.

I've been there since you were there Stumpy,but it's been several years. I posted some comments some time back. (Probably in the PMA forum) I enjoyed the trail from Pace, though it was getting a bit narrow with saplings encroaching. The 1st time was solo, the 2nd time, a year later , with my wife. I cruised the shore looking for a nice, level, clear spot to camp but found none. I also trolled and had no hits. ( I don't mean to boast, but I am without a doubt the worlds worst fisherman ) The 1st time through I found a moose antler quite near the Horsefish end. I carried it to the lake and placed it on a rock to mark the portage, in case I had to backtrack. On the trip with my wife, nearing Horsefish, I came upon a moose antler, assuming someone had moved the one I had placed previously. I carried it to the lake and there was the 1st antler still on the rock. I put the 2 side by each. I did have some strikes on Image L., and camped in a nice little spot in the small bay on the western side. I wouldn't mind returning myself some day soon, before I'm too far down the far side of the hill.

I have a couple posts on the PMA forum that Voyager posted on. Look under Mugwump. I haven't been back since 2015, so the trail (headed west out of there) may be more faint/brushy... I don't recall any major trouble following it, though. I do like the idea and condition of PMA's in the BWCA.... a bit more work for a bit more solitude (and good to get the free PMA permit when you pick up your usual BWCA permit, so USFS knows about usage). For folks fishing, I don't think it matters much... PMA lakes tend to be on the smaller side. I fish some, but not my primary motivation.

Stumpy,

Love that picture!

I paddled the same canoe back in my younger days. Had the same stickers, same pack sticking out. Brings back great memories. I was 16 back then. best trips of my life.

Wow !
All good info !
Glad to know that trail is still there.
I'm not a very good fisherman either. If you get in deep enough (portaging etc..), the fish aren't too smart.