BWCA Mid-May 2022 Sawbill Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum

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Mid-May 2022 Sawbill

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Mo63021

11/11/2021 11:25AM

We have mostly gone into BWCA in June, and always out of Ely area but this coming year we are looking to change it up and get a quick 4 night trip in May. I know fish opening is May 15th, and we will be arriving apx. May 18, 2022 due to work constraints. Coming by overnight driving from St Louis, our goals will be simple this trip, arrive late morning at Sawbill Outfitters, jump in canoes and head north, probably staying on Sawbill. My 2 sons and I have been on many trips but this year will be taking a newbie, my son's Father in Law, (age 66 ish) so we thought to give him a good experience and not so much of the heavy tripping we do. PROBABLY base camping but ????

A couple of quick questions, are motors allowed on Sawbill? (I hope not). With the campground there and many sites on Sawbill will Mid-May be crowded? Do we need to worry about finding a campsite mid-afternoon to early evening? Any other offerings of intel would be most appreciated!!

Thanks.

Lake voyage in a canoe is always better when shared with others, either during or after the trip

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cyclones30

11/11/2021 12:49PM

No on the motors. And that early in the season it shouldn't be real busy yet. The portage into Alton is short and very easy if you'd rather get off the entry lake. But it is a little more exposed if you're worried about wind depending on campsite and wind direction.

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Northwoodsman

11/11/2021 07:12PM

Alton is definitely a windy lake and can be dangerous. It's the only lake that I have ever been scared on. From Sawbill EP you have Sawbill, Alton, and Kelso all with extremely short and easy portages. You also have Smoke and Burnt nearby and are easy to get to from the Sawbill EP. I went around the same time in 2019 and only saw 5 small groups total in 4 days. The water will be very cold, wearing PFD's is NOT an option as hypothermia will set in very quickly making swimming or re-entry in the canoe next to impossible. Please wear them.

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PointMe2Polaris

11/11/2021 08:45PM

Was in a very similar situation as you a few years ago. We went in on Sawbill and jumped over to Alton. Sawbill to Alton is one of the easiest portages I've ever taken - wide, straight and only 28 rods. I'd recommend the same for you if there are not strong winds. Travel to north end of Alton and try to get the northeastern most camp spot. It's a 5 star and won't disappoint. We had luck fishing up in this area as well. Also, for a day trip we took the 13 rod portage on the north end of Alton (just around the corner from the camp site) and jumped into Kelso. We followed the Kelso lake and river north to the Doleman Rock attraction. The kelso river is actually a pretty paddle. I had a nostalgic moment as I felt I was in one of those old Hamm's commercials from late 70's - early 80's. Anyway - hope this helps.

PointMe2Polaris

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Mo63021

11/12/2021 07:57AM

Northwoodsman: "Alton is definitely a windy lake and can be dangerous. It's the only lake that I have ever been scared on. From Sawbill EP you have Sawbill, Alton, and Kelso all with extremely short and easy portages. You also have Smoke and Burnt nearby and are easy to get to from the Sawbill EP. I went around the same time in 2019 and only saw 5 small groups total in 4 days. The water will be very cold, wearing PFD's is NOT an option as hypothermia will set in very quickly making swimming or re-entry in the canoe next to impossible. Please wear them."

Thanks for the input. We have many, many debates on our trips, (all friendly of course, ha) but never ever have we gone anywhere in a canoe without PFD's. My parents taught me this many years ago.

Lake voyage in a canoe is always better when shared with others, either during or after the trip

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Mo63021

11/12/2021 08:00AM

PointMe2Polaris: "Was in a very similar situation as you a few years ago. We went in on Sawbill and jumped over to Alton. Sawbill to Alton is one of the easiest portages I've ever taken - wide, straight and only 28 rods. I'd recommend the same for you if there are not strong winds. Travel to north end of Alton and try to get the northeastern most camp spot. It's a 5 star and won't disappoint. We had luck fishing up in this area as well. Also, for a day trip we took the 13 rod portage on the north end of Alton (just around the corner from the camp site) and jumped into Kelso. We followed the Kelso lake and river north to the Doleman Rock attraction. The kelso river is actually a pretty paddle. I had a nostalgic moment as I felt I was in one of those old Hamm's commercials from late 70's - early 80's. Anyway - hope this helps.

"

Thanks, yes this helps alot! Being a short, base camp type of trip, side day trips are always fun. We will have to check this out!

Lake voyage in a canoe is always better when shared with others, either during or after the trip

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jhb8426

11/13/2021 12:14AM

If Alton is not windy, going south to Campsite: 866, Lake Camp Number: 4 is a nice site. Good sandy landing and beach. Key is wind. Out of the west it can make launching from the landing a bit of a chore. An indication is if Sawbill is rough, don't even think about Alton.

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