I had a trip planned for the week after opener and I wasn't worried about ice on the lakes, but that trip fell through and I have to go opening weekend.

Who else has a trip planned for opener and how are you managing your anxiety with current ice conditions? I know it will be what it will be but talking about it is fun :)

I am going in at the North Fowl entry point on the far eastern side.

The seagull and gunflint webcams show a TON of snow melt from the last bout of rain and warm weather. The edges of seagull even appear to be opening up.

Thoughts?

The edge of Seagull where the homes/business are is right at the river so w/ the current there things open up much earlier than the main lake would. Or other lakes without current.

I just saw an outfitter right in that area drill through 33" of ice this weekend and that was still under 10" of snow/slush

North Foul might be open but Moose, Mountain, and Clearwater will all have ice on fishing opener. I realize ice out is trending close to normal in the southern 2/3 of the state by it’s going to be a way different story in canoe country. We are going to have another week with daytime temps barely above freezing and nighttime temps well below freezing. Those are my thoughts but I could be wrong.

I have a trip planned for May 18th for that area, entering through John lake. Please keep me informed if you find out more details on ice and snow!

My current guess is - it'll be very close to opener up the gunflint and on the Ely side a few days prior to opener.

I have a trip planned - but not in the BW...so i've got options. Lots of lakes and lots of rivers up here.

I am going opener weekend (assuming the ice goes out) and was hoping to catch some lake trout. Anyone have experience targeting them that close to ice out?

CatchMe: "I am going opener weekend (assuming the ice goes out) and was hoping to catch some lake trout. Anyone have experience targeting them that close to ice out? "

Two years ago I was the first person to paddle on Gunflint lake right after ice out and fishing was tough. Paddled 30 miles and didn't catch a fish. ( I didn't stay on Gunflint)

Another year I was the first person to paddle down Clearwater. We paddled around some huge ice sheets. The fishing was pretty slow that trip as well.

With that being said, I've always done my best 10-20 days after ice out.

Take that for what it's worth, but I think you will get into some fish. Where are you heading?

Thank you Deepwater. I am going into Winchell and Long Island and vicinity.

My son and I have plans to go in on Sawbill on May 13. Not a big trip at all by any standards, mostly to get out, hoping for fish, but also trying our brand new Amok hammocks with a tent as back-up if too cold at night, (but we are planning on pretty cold).

Dealing with the anxiety the best way we can, after all, a HOPE of a trip into B-Dub is so much better than knowing work is waiting for us in our jobs!!! Ha.

No back up plan except to maybe try for a Fall trip instead, (or both!!)

Doug

Mo63021: "My son and I have plans to go in on Sawbill on May 13. Not a big trip at all by any standards, mostly to get out, hoping for fish, but also trying our brand new Amok hammocks with a tent as back-up if too cold at night, (but we are planning on pretty cold).


Dealing with the anxiety the best way we can, after all, a HOPE of a trip into B-Dub is so much better than knowing work is waiting for us in our jobs!!! Ha.


No back up plan except to maybe try for a Fall trip instead, (or both!!)


Doug"

Hi Doug,

My two cents -

Go anyway and stay at Sawbill to try out the gear and be with your son. Don't put it off.

Do you have underquilts, or at least a pad you can use in the hammock (I use both in cold weather)? A hammock can be warmer than a tent on the cold, wet ground, but you need the UQ and/or pad.

If Sawbill isn't open, check out Lichen Lake off the Grade. There are a couple sites on it, and muskie in it (from Crescent), on or after May 14th :) It's not deep and may ice out a bit sooner. Also Bouder Lake next to it. About the same depth. There's a flowing channel into Crescent that may have some open water. There is so much to do there, even if you can't get into the BWCA on May 13. In the area, you could head to Brule Lake Rd, park at Homer and stay at a campsite outside of the BWCA (there are a couple and they're nice). Also shallower and may be able to paddle - if not on the 13th, then you could go a day or two later if things are heating up. You could base camp on Homer OUTSIDE of the BWCA, grab a day use permit and go to Pipe. With opener on the 14th, you could try for SMB on Pipe. And if all that fails and the water is solid, just go find a nice logging road or multi-purpose trail and take a walk with your son. Don't wait. Wear your PFD's. No cell service around there.

jillpine: "

Mo63021: "My son and I have plans to go in on Sawbill on May 13. Not a big trip at all by any standards, mostly to get out, hoping for fish, but also trying our brand new Amok hammocks with a tent as back-up if too cold at night, (but we are planning on pretty cold).



Dealing with the anxiety the best way we can, after all, a HOPE of a trip into B-Dub is so much better than knowing work is waiting for us in our jobs!!! Ha.



No back up plan except to maybe try for a Fall trip instead, (or both!!)



Doug"

Hi Doug,


My two cents -


Go anyway and stay at Sawbill to try out the gear and be with your son. Don't put it off.


Do you have underquilts, or at least a pad you can use in the hammock (I use both in cold weather)? A hammock can be warmer than a tent on the cold, wet ground, but you need the UQ and/or pad.


If Sawbill isn't open, check out Lichen Lake off the Grade. There are a couple sites on it, and muskie in it (from Crescent), on or after May 14th :) It's not deep and may ice out a bit sooner. Also Boulder Lake next to it. About the same depth. There's a flowing channel into Crescent that may have some open water. There is so much to do there, even if you can't get into the BWCA on May 13. In the area, you could head to Brule Lake Rd, park at Homer and stay at a campsite outside of the BWCA (there are a couple and they're nice). Also shallower and may be able to paddle - if not on the 13th, then you could go a day or two later if things are heating up. You could base camp on Homer OUTSIDE of the BWCA, grab a day use permit and go to Pipe. With opener on the 14th, you could try for SMB on Pipe. And if all that fails and the water is solid, just go find a nice logging road or multi-purpose trail and take a walk with your son. Don't wait. Wear your PFD's. No cell service around there. "

There you have it folks, the Best B-Dub Advice Provided in the Spring (sic) of 2022.

CatchMe - How are you getting to Winchell and Long Island? Through Cross Bay? You may be able to make it, it will be close. I would probably come out the same way you go in instead of doing a loop. Depending how many days you stay in the BWCA there is a good chance Poplar may not be clear if you were thinking of doing a loop and coming out that way. Brule will most likely still have ice on it also. The guys at Rockwood are predicting an ice out of somewhere between the 12th and the 20th. on Poplar.

Northwoodsman, thank you for the info. Our entry lake is Brule. We were hoping to do a loop. If Brule is not open, that'll end the trip before it starts.

gravelroad: "

jillpine: "

Mo63021: "My son and I have plans to go in on Sawbill on May 13. Not a big trip at all by any standards, mostly to get out, hoping for fish, but also trying our brand new Amok hammocks with a tent as back-up if too cold at night, (but we are planning on pretty cold).



Dealing with the anxiety the best way we can, after all, a HOPE of a trip into B-Dub is so much better than knowing work is waiting for us in our jobs!!! Ha.



No back up plan except to maybe try for a Fall trip instead, (or both!!)



Doug"

Hi Doug,



My two cents -



Go anyway and stay at Sawbill to try out the gear and be with your son. Don't put it off.



Do you have underquilts, or at least a pad you can use in the hammock (I use both in cold weather)? A hammock can be warmer than a tent on the cold, wet ground, but you need the UQ and/or pad.



If Sawbill isn't open, check out Lichen Lake off the Grade. There are a couple sites on it, and muskie in it (from Crescent), on or after May 14th :) It's not deep and may ice out a bit sooner. Also Boulder Lake next to it. About the same depth. There's a flowing channel into Crescent that may have some open water. There is so much to do there, even if you can't get into the BWCA on May 13. In the area, you could head to Brule Lake Rd, park at Homer and stay at a campsite outside of the BWCA (there are a couple and they're nice). Also shallower and may be able to paddle - if not on the 13th, then you could go a day or two later if things are heating up. You could base camp on Homer OUTSIDE of the BWCA, grab a day use permit and go to Pipe. With opener on the 14th, you could try for SMB on Pipe. And if all that fails and the water is solid, just go find a nice logging road or multi-purpose trail and take a walk with your son. Don't wait. Wear your PFD's. No cell service around there. "

There you have it folks, the Best B-Dub Advice Provided in the Spring (sic) of 2022.
"

Seriously. Jillpine with the mic drop!

Mo63021: "My son and I have plans to go in on Sawbill on May 13. Not a big trip at all by any standards, mostly to get out, hoping for fish, but also trying our brand new Amok hammocks with a tent as back-up if too cold at night, (but we are planning on pretty cold).


Dealing with the anxiety the best way we can, after all, a HOPE of a trip into B-Dub is so much better than knowing work is waiting for us in our jobs!!! Ha.


No back up plan except to maybe try for a Fall trip instead, (or both!!)


Doug"

Maybe I'll see you there. Also have a Sawbill permit for the 13th. Look for the solo guy with a black lab. If that doesn't work out because of ice my backup is the Algoma Headwaters Provincial Park in Canada. Ice is almost out and it's a phenomenal lake and brook trout fishery.

dschult2: "Maybe I'll see you there. Also have a Sawbill permit for the 13th. Look for the solo guy with a black lab. If that doesn't work out because of ice my backup is the Algoma Headwaters Provincial Park in Canada. Ice is almost out and it's a phenomenal lake and brook trout fishery."

My backup plan is to go to NYC. We’ll see how it goes.

Hoping for Wood Lake for fishing opener...with a BWCA newbie. No backup plan at this point.

CatchMe: "Northwoodsman, thank you for the info. Our entry lake is Brule. We were hoping to do a loop. If Brule is not open, that'll end the trip before it starts."

please know; Brule is big water!! Ran into some real rough water last September. Scary. And right after ice out will be brutally cold. Be careful.Pete

jillpine: "

Mo63021: "My son and I have plans to go in on Sawbill on May 13. Not a big trip at all by any standards, mostly to get out, hoping for fish, but also trying our brand new Amok hammocks with a tent as back-up if too cold at night, (but we are planning on pretty cold).



Dealing with the anxiety the best way we can, after all, a HOPE of a trip into B-Dub is so much better than knowing work is waiting for us in our jobs!!! Ha.



No back up plan except to maybe try for a Fall trip instead, (or both!!)



Doug"

Hi Doug,


My two cents -


Go anyway and stay at Sawbill to try out the gear and be with your son. Don't put it off.


Do you have underquilts, or at least a pad you can use in the hammock (I use both in cold weather)? A hammock can be warmer than a tent on the cold, wet ground, but you need the UQ and/or pad.


If Sawbill isn't open, check out Lichen Lake off the Grade. There are a couple sites on it, and muskie in it (from Crescent), on or after May 14th :) It's not deep and may ice out a bit sooner. Also Bouder Lake next to it. About the same depth. There's a flowing channel into Crescent that may have some open water. There is so much to do there, even if you can't get into the BWCA on May 13. In the area, you could head to Brule Lake Rd, park at Homer and stay at a campsite outside of the BWCA (there are a couple and they're nice). Also shallower and may be able to paddle - if not on the 13th, then you could go a day or two later if things are heating up. You could base camp on Homer OUTSIDE of the BWCA, grab a day use permit and go to Pipe. With opener on the 14th, you could try for SMB on Pipe. And if all that fails and the water is solid, just go find a nice logging road or multi-purpose trail and take a walk with your son. Don't wait. Wear your PFD's. No cell service around there. "

Thanks Beth, GREAT information to take with us.

First we ALWAYS wear our PFD, never even had it questioned from either of my sons or anyone I have taken. PFD's go on, then paddles in water.

Second, yes we have the winter pads from Amok and I am also looking to try out a new idea I have had, using the survival mylar (sp?) blanket as well. Thinking of using some to make a "sock" to go around the pad as it slides in the hammock.

I retire on Monday May 2 so this will be a small celebration of this life event!! Woo Hoo. My son has limited vaca days and I offered to have him fly up to save him a few days and he refused, said the trip up and back is a major part of going!! I guess his Mother raised him right, ha!

dschult2: "

Mo63021: "My son and I have plans to go in on Sawbill on May 13. Not a big trip at all by any standards, mostly to get out, hoping for fish, but also trying our brand new Amok hammocks with a tent as back-up if too cold at night, (but we are planning on pretty cold).



Dealing with the anxiety the best way we can, after all, a HOPE of a trip into B-Dub is so much better than knowing work is waiting for us in our jobs!!! Ha.



No back up plan except to maybe try for a Fall trip instead, (or both!!)



Doug"

Maybe I'll see you there. Also have a Sawbill permit for the 13th. Look for the solo guy with a black lab. If that doesn't work out because of ice my backup is the Algoma Headwaters Provincial Park in Canada. Ice is almost out and it's a phenomenal lake and brook trout fishery."

Thanks, we will look for you there. We will be the two guys with too much equipment and Missouri license plate with two big ol' grins on our faces!!!

We have a group going out of Mudro on opening weekend, alot of anxiety over the ice out but our spirits are high and hopeful. Alot of planning and preparation has gone into the trip. It's gonna be a game time decision and one we cant make until we see the river. All we can do is stay positive!

We are going in via Mudro as well May 13th and heading up to Thursday/Friday Bay and we are in the same boat. I have been checking back here quit often and though I do think it will be close I think it should be ok or at least that is my hope.

Mo63021: "
Second, yes we have the winter pads from Amok and I am also looking to try out a new idea I have had, using the survival mylar (sp?) blanket as well. Thinking of using some to make a "sock" to go around the pad as it slides in the hammock.
"

If your survival blanket isn't breathable, don't use it as a liner. Your trapped body heat may raise the temperature inside your liner above the dew point, leading to clothing soaked in moisture when you wake up since that moisture has no escape from inside the liner. You may also sweat if the temperature rises too much.

I have firsthand experience with this problem after using a tarp with a reflective side as a blanket on top of my sleeping bag on a camping trip that became unexpectedly cold one night.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the Amok.

I am still hoping to enter at Brule Lake on Saturday the 14th to go up to Winchell and around to Long Island Lake. Anybody have any intel the ice situation on Brule Lake specifically? I just watched the video from Tuscarora showing a lot of ice on the Gunflint Trail lakes. Thanks.

I was also planning to go to Long Island but entering the day before and from the opposite end (Cross Bay). I'm very pessimistic. Two days ago, Sawbill still had 9" of solid ice. The satellite imagery from the same day showed things completely locked up, including Homer, which is by Brule and goes out at least several days earlier. It seems lakes are about 2 weeks behind schedule. I think most of the lakes will be going out the following week.

Bjelde: "Two days ago, Sawbill still had 9" of solid ice."

Based on Sawbill's blog, they've reported the following:
May 6: 9" solid ice, 18" slush/snow, 27" total (this was reported on May 8)
May 2: 17" solid ice, 19" slush/snow, 36" total

In 4 days, that 17" of solid ice dropped down to 9". I think that's very promising. It's been 3 days since their last reporting. But maybe I'm just hopeful because I have a trip in the area on the 14th ;)

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6OL4T3docCM

CatchMe: "I am still hoping to enter at Brule Lake on Saturday the 14th to go up to Winchell and around to Long Island Lake. Anybody have any intel the ice situation on Brule Lake specifically? I just watched the video from Tuscarora showing a lot of ice on the Gunflint Trail lakes. Thanks.
"

I doubt it's even possible to drive to Brule lake yet. By this weekend you might be able to get there but I'm 90% certain that Brule lake will have a lot of ice still.