Last week I posted about possibly doing a Frost River route in 4 days as my first solo trip, in May 2021. Well, it sounds like I might be biting off more than I can chew in 4 days, so I'm thinking about my other favored option... a Malberg base camp.

I'm a decent paddler with no problem with longer (6-9h) days when they make a route possible or earn me an extra day of relaxing. I would bring a kayak paddle for this route to cover ground quickly and have insurance against wind (though most lakes from Kawishiwi up to Malberg aren't that big).

I'm thinking I would enter at Kawishiwi Lake (EP37) on Thurs May 20th and head north up to Malberg for 3 nights, then go back the way I came to exit on Sun May 23rd. My goal would be to try and catch some smallies and make days trip up to Adams (and maybe catch some smallies there), and in the event I get really charged up and gung-ho, Makwa as well (and maybe catch some lakers there). Realistically, I would probably spend most of my time fishing/exploring/photographing Malberg, with a trip up to Adams to do the same.

What I'm wondering from those with experience on this route is...

1. Should I expect any potential issues with the portages like tons of mud or a surprise beaver pond?

2. Do the bear issues that seem to plague Polly extend up to Malberg?

3. How popular is the lake in May? I expect some fishermen but I've read about Malberg many times, and it doesn't strike me as a super busy lake.

4. Are there any other must-see day trips in this area like the Beaver-Adams portage (or the Makwa cliffs)? I'd like to keep the one-way time for a day trip to 3 hours max, as I'd like to enjoy my time there, and I'll have to come back (meaning Makwa is probably out of the question). Maybe Fishdance?

I really appreciate any help I can get! I've been meaning to get to the Malberg area and this might be the year. :)

Malberg is a great lake and I think it would be a very good choice for your trip. It offers decent fishing, lots of islands, points and bays, island campsites, secluded campsites, elevated campsites, sand beach campsites and lots of good daytrip/exploration opportunities North, West and East.

It took the two of us, older dudes and not in a hurry on an 85 degree humid mid July day 7 hours to get there double portaging and not in a hurry. You could probably do it in 6 to 6.5 hours easily.

Here is our trip report:

Malberg area

If you are not familiar, Float Stanley was a celebrated participant on many a BWCA trip and passed around the BWCA community for several years. Not sure where he is now but he was a fine addition to our trip:)

This is one of my favorite areas in the BW. And I am with you that this will be a better first solo than the Frost River.

Is it doable solo in one day? I think so. I will depend on how much fishing you do on the way there.

Any surprises? The only place you might find surprises would be along the river routes into Kawasachong. The beavers have changed the portages several times over the years that I have paddled through there. e.g. The first portage after Square Lake you can paddle over or pull over a beaver dam to avoid the portage. Some years back, that portage was actually extended down the river at least 100 yards.

Malberg does not seem to have the same reports of bears that Polley gets, but it also does not get the heavy usage. Keep a clean camp and you should have little to worry about.

How popular is Malberg. Malberg is an excellent walleye lake. Are you going over fishing opener? I would expect it to have more full campsites. The problem with Malberg is the distance you have to paddle to get from one campsite to the next. That east narrows is almost a mile to paddle to get to another campsite. I would check the central and western basins first before heading east. While I wouldn't necessarily send a group there, the campsite at the end of the west narrows is a smaller campsite with a nice landing and good access to the places you are talking about day tripping toward. Smaller tent pad and kitchen area, but that shouldn't bother a solo.

What else to see? I would definitely paddle to Fishdance Lake to see the pictographs. You can fish the river along your way. There is a nice rapids to fish the out flow along the way. I would also spend a little time paddling in to Amber Lake to fish a bit. I also like the scenic portage along the Kawishiwi River toward Alice lake.

I also like the route into Boze/Frond Lakes along the Louse River. Lots of beaver dams, but its a very wild with lots of solitude. The cliffs on Makwa are beautiful, but it will take a while to get there and back. How much fishing time will you really get there? But, you should at least walk the portage out the northeast corner of Malberg to take in the canyon and falls there. Careful of the approach to that portage, There are lots of submerged rocks in that bay.

Hope you have a great trip.

Oh, you GOTTA go to Fishdance. It’s very cool. Fun trip, too.
It’s an easy day trip from Malberg.
And if you fish, that section of the Kawishiwi River is outstanding.
Campsite 1051 is nice, especially if you’re early enough, or the wind helps with the bugs.

You've got a great start. Feel free to send me an email

I'd keep going and shoot for site 2050 on the Kawishiwi River. This way you have easy access to Amber, Fishdance , Adams, and other lakes. I spent two nights on Marlberg, site 1051, and two on site 2050. I did not like the portage from Marlberg to Kawishiwi River. It's not a difficult portage, more of a pain in the ass of loading and unloading for such a short distance, plus once you leave the Marlberg area you'll see fewer people.
The trip down to Fishdance is beautiful and the pictographs make it worthwhile.



I hooked into a monster pike on the way back from fishdance that I was not able to get into the pack boat. That fish literally towed me around in circles for 20 minutes.
Site on Marlberg


Site on Kawishiwi River


I'm planning on returning this year and doing the same route but heading to Little Sag also.

Malberg is a pretty fine destination lake, but if your eyes are on Adams and Makwa, why not do a loop through there, staying on Malberg, Makwa, and Adams. Boulder and Beaver are also really nice lakes. Lake trout on Makwa and Bass on the others. Some moderately tough portages, but if you're patient as described, it'd be a nice route.
On the other hand, Malberg is a nice lake to explore for a full day or two. You could do worse. It would be a long haul up to Makwa and back. Adams slightly less, but still a pretty busy day.
So if you're looking at that much travel, I'd consider the loop. We did this last year and it was fantastic. Few people once past Malberg.

jdoutdoors: "Last week I posted about possibly doing a Frost River route in 4 days as my first solo trip, in May 2021. Well, it sounds like I might be biting off more than I can chew in 4 days, so I'm thinking about my other favored option... a Malberg base camp.

I'm a decent paddler with no problem with longer (6-9h) days when they make a route possible or earn me an extra day of relaxing. I would bring a kayak paddle for this route to cover ground quickly and have insurance against wind (though most lakes from Kawishiwi up to Malberg aren't that big).

I'm thinking I would enter at Kawishiwi Lake (EP37) on Thurs May 20th and head north up to Malberg for 3 nights, then go back the way I came to exit on Sun May 23rd. My goal would be to try and catch some smallies and make days trip up to Adams (and maybe catch some smallies there), and in the event I get really charged up and gung-ho, Makwa as well (and maybe catch some lakers there). Realistically, I would probably spend most of my time fishing/exploring/photographing Malberg, with a trip up to Adams to do the same.

What I'm wondering from those with experience on this route is...

1. Should I expect any potential issues with the portages like tons of mud or a surprise beaver pond?

2. Do the bear issues that seem to plague Polly extend up to Malberg?

3. How popular is the lake in May? I expect some fishermen but I've read about Malberg many times, and it doesn't strike me as a super busy lake.

4. Are there any other must-see day trips in this area like the Beaver-Adams portage (or the Makwa cliffs)? I'd like to keep the one-way time for a day trip to 3 hours max, as I'd like to enjoy my time there, and I'll have to come back (meaning Makwa is probably out of the question). Maybe Fishdance?

I really appreciate any help I can get! I've been meaning to get to the Malberg area and this might be the year. :)"

lindylair: "Malberg is a great lake and I think it would be a very good choice for your trip. It offers decent fishing, lots of islands, points and bays, island campsites, secluded campsites, elevated campsites, sand beach campsites and lots of good daytrip/exploration opportunities North, West and East.


It took the two of us, older dudes and not in a hurry on an 85 degree humid mid July day 7 hours to get there double portaging and not in a hurry. You could probably do it in 6 to 6.5 hours easily.


Here is our trip report:


Malberg area


If you are not familiar, Float Stanley was a celebrated participant on many a BWCA trip and passed around the BWCA community for several years. Not sure where he is now but he was a fine addition to our trip:)"

Thanks Lindy! 7 hours is my optimistic mark as a first solo, but if it takes me less than 8 (considering pullovers/fishing/eating/etc) I'll be happy. It does seem like a good base camp spot and I'd like to spend a few days exploring it.
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Michwall2: "This is one of my favorite areas in the BW. And I am with you that this will be a better first solo than the Frost River.


Is it doable solo in one day? I think so. I will depend on how much fishing you do on the way there.


Any surprises? The only place you might find surprises would be along the river routes into Kawasachong. The beavers have changed the portages several times over the years that I have paddled through there. e.g. The first portage after Square Lake you can paddle over or pull over a beaver dam to avoid the portage. Some years back, that portage was actually extended down the river at least 100 yards.


Malberg does not seem to have the same reports of bears that Polley gets, but it also does not get the heavy usage. Keep a clean camp and you should have little to worry about.


How popular is Malberg. Malberg is an excellent walleye lake. Are you going over fishing opener? I would expect it to have more full campsites. The problem with Malberg is the distance you have to paddle to get from one campsite to the next. That east narrows is almost a mile to paddle to get to another campsite. I would check the central and western basins first before heading east. While I wouldn't necessarily send a group there, the campsite at the end of the west narrows is a smaller campsite with a nice landing and good access to the places you are talking about day tripping toward. Smaller tent pad and kitchen area, but that shouldn't bother a solo.


What else to see? I would definitely paddle to Fishdance Lake to see the pictographs. You can fish the river along your way. There is a nice rapids to fish the out flow along the way. I would also spend a little time paddling in to Amber Lake to fish a bit. I also like the scenic portage along the Kawishiwi River toward Alice lake.


I also like the route into Boze/Frond Lakes along the Louse River. Lots of beaver dams, but its a very wild with lots of solitude. The cliffs on Makwa are beautiful, but it will take a while to get there and back. How much fishing time will you really get there? But, you should at least walk the portage out the northeast corner of Malberg to take in the canyon and falls there. Careful of the approach to that portage, There are lots of submerged rocks in that bay.


Hope you have a great trip.
"

I would be going after fishing opener, in mid-late May, probably a week or two before my weeklong trip with friends. While I like catching and eating walleyes, I get more of a thrill from smallies, so I'm going to be focused on fishing for them. Malberg and Adams both look like great spots to do this. I do think I will explore the river along the way to Fishdance as well. You're right about Makwa being a bit of a haul and I think I'll skip it if I do end up going to Malberg.

Appreciate all of the intel!!
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mvillasuso: "Oh, you GOTTA go to Fishdance. It’s very cool. Fun trip, too.
It’s an easy day trip from Malberg.
And if you fish, that section of the Kawishiwi River is outstanding.
Campsite 1051 is nice, especially if you’re early enough, or the wind helps with the bugs. "

I think I will head down to Fishdance, and if I do, you can bet I'll wet a line on the way. :)
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cyclones30: "You've got a great start. Feel free to send me an email "

I may take you up on that. Thanks!
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danbogey: "I'd keep going and shoot for site 2050 on the Kawishiwi River. This way you have easy access to Amber, Fishdance , Adams, and other lakes. I spent two nights on Marlberg, site 1051, and two on site 2050. I did not like the portage from Marlberg to Kawishiwi River. It's not a difficult portage, more of a pain in the ass of loading and unloading for such a short distance, plus once you leave the Marlberg area you'll see fewer people.
The trip down to Fishdance is beautiful and the pictographs make it worthwhile.



I hooked into a monster pike on the way back from fishdance that I was not able to get into the pack boat. That fish literally towed me around in circles for 20 minutes.
Site on Marlberg



Site on Kawishiwi River



I'm planning on returning this year and doing the same route but heading to Little Sag also.


"

I think I'd rather stay on Malberg and have to take the west portage when going on day trips over to Adams and Fishdance. That does seem like a nice site though and I may check it out on my day trips. Regarding "Lil Sag", I have a long ~60mi route that I'd like to do with my friends, which takes us from Kawishiwi Lake to Malberg to Adams to Little Sag to Mesaba to Sawbill. Little Sag is definitely on my list but routes heading through there are going to be on the longer side. I may take that route with friends in 2022. Thanks very much for your information!!
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CoffeeInTheWoods: "Malberg is a pretty fine destination lake, but if your eyes are on Adams and Makwa, why not do a loop through there, staying on Malberg, Makwa, and Adams. Boulder and Beaver are also really nice lakes. Lake trout on Makwa and Bass on the others. Some moderately tough portages, but if you're patient as described, it'd be a nice route.
On the other hand, Malberg is a nice lake to explore for a full day or two. You could do worse. It would be a long haul up to Makwa and back. Adams slightly less, but still a pretty busy day.
So if you're looking at that much travel, I'd consider the loop. We did this last year and it was fantastic. Few people once past Malberg."

I want to do a lollipop route of that area at some point, but with friends. It's a lot of travel and I definitely don't want that much for my first solo. I want to spend more time fishing and exploring and photographing and videoing the wilderness. So, a base camp is the way to do, I think. I don't have anything else to do and no one to sit around and BS with, so getting up somewhat early and going on longer day trips is probably not a big deal. Still, I don't think I will go to Makwa, favoring exploring and fishing Adams mostly for smallies (maybe a big pike). I appreciate your perspective and plan to do a longer route through more of the area probably in 2022.
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Thanks everyone for your insight and suggestions! I think I'm going to do this, I just need to figure out which canoe to rent, from whom, and which weekend I'm going to do. I have a lot of things I'm trying to cram into a 4-6 week period in the late spring so I need to figure out when I want to do each one.

FWIW, we have used Sawtooth Outfitters several times and have always found them to be efficient, helpful and nice folks. It would be a convenient outfitter for the trip you are considering. They have a nice store there for that one piece of equipment you figure out that you need:) Also they will mount your canoe for you on your vehicle, rack or no rack. Sawbill would be another fine and logical choice.

Once you are on Malberg consider site 1054 about mid lake. It is at the western end of a long narrows, very scenic and is a sweet site that happens to also offer very good shore fishing. If you want a sand beach there are a few of those too but in May that's probably not a priority.

Not sure what your other commitments are but going in the week before Memorial Day and exiting on Thursday or Friday before the crowds come is a good option. We have done that a few times and had good weather, few bugs, good fishing and few people...and cold water:)

I've also used Sawtooth Outfitters many times to rent a canoe. They are conveniently located for that entry on Rt. 61 just a few hundred yards before the Sawbill Trail. They have the Northstar Northwind for rent which would be a good choice for you.

I was there last fall and was able to skip the two portages between Square and Kawasachong. There was small beaver dam pullover there also. There is a huge beaver dam just before Kawasachong and the left side (west) was the easiest way around.

jdoutdoors: "Should I expect any potential issues with the portages like tons of mud or a surprise beaver pond?"

Last July, the portage from the northwest arm of Malberg into the Kawishiwi River was waist-high water in one stretch in the middle of the portage, and then knee-high mud later where Record Creek comes in. I wouldn't let it stop me from taking that route, but that Record Creek spot was mucky and time-consuming. It might be a lot different with different water levels - i.e. I think normally you can probably re-launch the canoe earlier than I was able to, and just paddle over the part that was so muddy last year.