It appears this is the most popular period for trips to Quetico and the BWs. Isn't this the sweet spot for black flies? The hatch in southern Ontario generally occurs around May 12ish. They start really swarming and attacking a few days later and are generally finished by early June. I would think that further north there would be a delay to these dates by a week or two making late May to mid June a real challenge to be camping. Then there's the double-whammy period when mosquitoes arrive - down here that's about late May.

I just watched a video of two guys in Quetico in June. Not sure exactly what date they entered. Lots of footage and zero evidence from these guys that they were dealing with bugs at all.

What gives?

It's really hit or miss. I've gone into Quetico or the BWCA every year for a week around opener, or a week after, since 2002. Typically in the range of May 15-30. About half the time, if not more, the black flies have been non-existent, the rest of time not so bad. Same for mosquitoes. Bugs usually the worst when it's getting close to dusk. So maybe mid-day, a little wind or breeze, and some luck for the two guys in the videos you mention. Doesn't surprise me a bit.

Over the last 6 years we have gone the week prior to Memorial weekend. On a couple of these trips there were virtually no bugs. On a couple the skeeters would come out at dawn and dusk but otherwise not an issue. On one trip the black flies were pretty pesky and we were glad we had our headnets. One trip we had a little of both skeeters and black flies but not enough to be much of a bother. So only 1 out of 6 trips where bugs were really an issue. No guarantees:)

It's a good time to go but obviously the bug situation can vary from year to year. I think it depends on the weather the week or two prior to the trip and maybe to some extent to the temps overnight. We have had several mid to upper 20s nights on these trips, probably puts a damper on them.

BTW I don't think this is the busiest time in the BWCA by any means. Kids aren't out of school yet so it keeps the family and boy scout type groups out for a couple more weeks. I think the first half of August is the busiest time. Aside from fishing it is a good time to go and can arguably be the best most stable weather of the summer...and the water is nice and warm. Just lots of people.

We have been there in early June several times with very mixed results.

On our very first trip, we were looking for a site on Beth Lake and I remember hearing the woods just hum at the pitch of a mosquito. Left a very clear impression on us.

Several years later, we were there (same area - Sawbill) and along with the mosquitos, the black flies had just started. They were swarming, but not biting yet. By the end of the trip, they were definitely biting. Head nets were a necesity.

Another trip a few miles away (LIzz Lake entry) we were there the first week of June and zero to very few mosquitos the entire trip. No black flies either. Could not believe our luck.

By the way, I think I am correct in saying that the black flies are pollinators for blueberries. So in order to have those delectable treats in August, there has to be at least a few around earlier in the season.

Been in Quetico several years in late May and the bugs are not predictable. I once had an Old Timer tell me that " the fish bite when the bugs bite" and I found that to be true.

Bug hatches in the BWCA/Q vary both year to year and lake to lake. Most insect hatches are highly temperature sensitive, and there can be many microclimates on each lake. I’ve gone up to the border waters the last several years, and even in the same place bugs vary year by year.

Where are you seeing may and june as most popular?? June to Aug with July and Aug are the busiest in BWCA

I personally dislike the summer season bugs vs spring season.

Sand flies/gnats/mosquitos, the spring season bugs I can deal with them. A little bit of deet and i've got no issues.

Later season, the ankle biters and the deer flies - can't stand them. They drive me absolutely insane.

I have been up there 5-6 times in the early to mid June period and never had a black fly problem. Mosquitoes are fierce though.

With that said I now prefer mid July. Less bugs, better weather/swimming and I catch just as many fish if not more.

Your mileage may vary, have fun!

Argo: "
What gives?"

I've been to the BW multiple times in the May/June timeframe between mid-May through the end of June. As many others have stated the bug conditions are a mixed bag that vary year-to-year and place-to-place.

The only truly terrible bugs in this time of year for me were two years ago in late June. Mosquitos were everywhere and my wife was bitten in the eye by one. The eye swelled enormously overnight and we made an emergency exit since we didn't know the appropriate first aid for the situation.

Turns out after a few days of antihistamines the swelling went down and she fully recovered. We would have stayed on the trip if we had known there was no long term risk, but better safe than sorry.

Jaywalker: "Bug hatches in the BWCA/Q vary both year to year and lake to lake. Most insect hatches are highly temperature sensitive, and there can be many microclimates on each lake. I’ve gone up to the border waters the last several years, and even in the same place bugs vary year by year. "

We have been going up since early 90's and every year is different. We go in late May and early June and have hit it all - so many bugs we've had to wear head nets the whole day to no bugs at all. Last year we didn't have to fight black flies or skeeters but the stable flies and deer flies were bad, especially the stable flies.

I went up on the Gunflint opening weekend in 2019 and only saw 2-3 mosquitos the very last night. It probably helped that when we entered that Saturday, opening day of fishing, some of the lakes (Poplar for example) still had some large sheets of ice on them and just two days prior the area received 8-11" of snow. Had to portage through a lot of snow that was knee deep. The high's were in the 50's during the day and made for some nice paddling. I think it has to do with the weather (wind and temps) at the moment that you are there.