I've read many older threads about the lack of cell phone reception. I would love some current information. I'm thinking of adding an extra day or two to my solo trip and would like to let my wife know the circumstances. The fire lakes would be at the end of my trip and I really don't want to carry a phone for 7-10 days if there was no chance of reception.
Thanks in advance,
FISHONFISHOFF

Zero reception in the fire lakes area

x2jmorris: "Zero reception in the fire lakes area"

Well, that answers my question. Thank you "X MAN"!

Thanks for asking this question. Are there any maps of BWCA that shows cell coverage? We are going in to Lynx Lake in June and the wife has asked for a satellite phone to be rented. We have always gone to the Q, but this year is different of course.

One member of our group had good cell reception last August on Insula...don't know if he would have had reception in fire lakes area but we were base camped just a few miles east of there. I think he had Verizon as his carrier. I has no reception with AT&T.

Verizon has a coverage map. Google it, it will not let me post the link.

BrownBear1950: "One member of our group had good cell reception last August on Insula...don't know if he would have had reception in fire lakes area but we were base camped just a few miles east of there. I think he had Verizon as his carrier. I has no reception with AT&T."

18 miles ;)

Fire as in the smoke, burnt, etc near Sawbill?

Seems like calling Sawbill Outfitter would get you the most current and accurate answer.

cyclones30: "Fire as in the smoke, burnt, etc near Sawbill?


Seems like calling Sawbill Outfitter would get you the most current and accurate answer. "

I go to this area multiple times a year and have both Verizon and AT&T. Neither carrier has ever had reception in that area. Or possibly I just have some defects which I guess could be true. Those are the lakes I was thinking of too so hopefully those are the ones OP meant.