Can't speak for the BWCA, but around the Mille lacs area, mosquitoes are thicker than molasses (whatever that means?). They are terrible - worst in many years, but maybe if we get rid of the first hatch it won't be bad. A lot of water in the marshes and everything warmed up at once. Perfect conditions for a great year class.

Any first-hand reports?

Was in the Brule Lake area this past weekend and hardly a mosquito to be seen. Still some snow in places...

Back home in Brule, WI they're coming out in force now.

keth0601: "Was in the Brule Lake area this past weekend and hardly a mosquito to be seen. Still some snow in places...

Back home in Brule, WI they're coming out in force now."

Water still a little too cold where you were still.

Black flies are out in Isabella, mosquitoes are just coming out now. I'm here now camping.

See also the 2023 Bug Reports thread

Black flies are out.

Stumpy: "Black flies are out."

And just starting to nibble around the edges today on the outskirts of Duluth. I would imagine it will still be several days before they’re an issue along the Gunflint.

Yes this week of hot weather things will be hatching fast.

Was on a BW lake just SE of Ely for the past 4-5 days and came out Sunday. ALL bugs were none existent upon entry on 5-17--- they steadied their increase that on Sunday 5/21 on our way out- the overhead "hovering" of black flies (gnats) increased to some biting as did a few skitters. Overall- I'd be more concerned about Black flies (head hovering Gnats) for about the next week or so.

The 80 degree temperatures on the Upper Gunflint on May 22 caused the Blackflies to hatch. They were glad to see me and got under the rim of my ballcap and collar for a quick bite.

The week and a half after ice out the insects were almost nonexistent.

Zulu: "The 80 degree temperatures on the Upper Gunflint on May 22 caused the Blackflies to hatch. They were glad to see me and got under the rim of my ballcap and collar for a quick bite.


The week and a half after ice out the insects were almost nonexistent.


"

Over the years I loved going to Quetico at ice out. A window of no bugs. Once you get that first burst of hot weather black flies come out. Usually around Memorial day-so black flies this year stayed on schedule.

Yes remember one year I put my hand on the back of my neck-it was just dried blood and bumps from Black flies.
Since then I learned the importance of a head net and bug shirt.

Just exited from Duncan Lake / Rose Lake area (EP 60) after a Memorial Day weekend trip - in Saturday out Monday. Bugs were overall not terrible. A few black flies and mosquitos at times were a nuisance however with a fire going, simple “STEM” brand bug spray and a breeze off the lake we barely noticed them. Didn’t even need a bug net or a thermacell (or similar device).

cunninol000: "Just exited from Duncan Lake / Rose Lake area (EP 60) after a Memorial Day weekend trip - in Saturday out Monday. Bugs were overall not terrible. A few black flies and mosquitos at times were a nuisance however with a fire going, simple “STEM” brand bug spray and a breeze off the lake we barely noticed them. Didn’t even need a bug net or a thermacell (or similar device). "

STEM HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO DEET

YOUR OPINION?

Sawbill to Phoebe Memorial day weekend. Black flies were abundant. Mosquitos weren't bad at our campsite, but some portages (particularly those between Phoebe and Grace) were terrible. Head nets and bug spray were required at times.

Went in Memorial Day with plan to spend a couple of nights on Louisa. Bugs so difficult that I came out after one night on Poacher. Mosquitos were as bad as I've ever seen (first Q trip in '76) without a break for sun, wind or dryness, Occasionally joined by flash swarms of black flies. I could wear long pants and a bug jacket in camp (hot, hot hot). They never left, never slowed down, thick hovering clouds. Dog was beyond miserable. First time I've abandoned ship due to bugs.

Banksiana, you’re killing me with that report! We’ll be on Agnes end of this week, then Woodside, Kahshahpiwi and North Bay after that. Coming from Texas for our annual Q trip, so hopefully we don’t bail early. I’ll make sure we paddle far day one so bailing isn’t an easy option!

Might be different at another lake. I had hope that Louisa would be better but I didn't want to put the dog through it if I was wrong (He normally believes camping is the ideal form of existence). Bugs conditions change rapidly and vary from place to place. I've never before had a day in which it was a constant mosquito frenzy from beginning to end- it was hot, dry, breezy and they did not care. I generally have good tolerance and strategy but this was tundra-like in intensity.

Stop moving for an instant.

Banksiana: " Stop moving for an instant."

They are saying in parts of the state because of last year's drought, you got also mosquito eggs from a year ago to two years now hatching instead of last year. The sudden warmup also you got the big mosquito species that hatch first, but now you got the next batch hatching without a break.
A lot of years early season you just have black flies and then their numbers drop and mosquitoes follow later.
This year it is a full attack by all.

Banksiana: "Might be different at another lake. I had hope that Louisa would be better but I didn't want to put the dog through it if I was wrong (He normally believes camping is the ideal form of existence). Bugs conditions change rapidly and vary from place to place. I've never before had a day in which it was a constant mosquito frenzy from beginning to end- it was hot, dry, breezy and they did not care. I generally have good tolerance and strategy but this was tundra-like in intensity."

I have been amazed at the difference a different lake or campsite can make.

A handful of years ago on night one of a trip on Argo we were chased into the tent by an onslaught of mosquitos just before dusk, only to have the next night at Ted lake be virtually big free all evening. Here’s hoping! We’ll definitely place a breeze at camp as a higher priority this year when considering campsites.

Me and a couple buddies are bringing 4 kids into the Vento Unit (Clearwater, Bearskin, Pine) lakes next week. I'm planning to bring a screen tent kinda thing for them to retreat to. Anyone been to that area recently?

It's definitely a banner year for mosquitoes and ticks here in the North.

I was in the BWCA north of Sawbill Lake over fishing opener and had mosquitoes and wood ticks, even as there were patches of snow in the woods LOL.

Near my house a few miles inland from Lake Superior there are more wood ticks than I have ever seen here (last year had almost none), and the mosquitoes are thick.

OgimaaBines: "Me and a couple buddies are bringing 4 kids into the Vento Unit (Clearwater, Bearskin, Pine) lakes next week. I'm planning to bring a screen tent kinda thing for them to retreat to. Anyone been to that area recently?"

I just got off Duncan Lake yesterday, I didn't think the mosquitoes and black flies were all that bad. Granted I am not bothered that much by them so I may be a little jaded. I sat out night before last night around 7 - 8 and was in short sleeves and bare feet.

Granted there are alot of bugs out there, they just did not seem to bother most of us, (all adults) I saw no one using bug spray and head nets were hardly on anyone. I did finally got chased into my tent around 9:30. I also found a few ticks in the area. I use permethrin.

Given the comments in this thread, why on earth are you guys still going in June, and not September?

LindenTree: "

OgimaaBines: "Me and a couple buddies are bringing 4 kids into the Vento Unit (Clearwater, Bearskin, Pine) lakes next week. I'm planning to bring a screen tent kinda thing for them to retreat to. Anyone been to that area recently?"

I just got off Duncan Lake yesterday, I didn't think the mosquitoes and black flies were all that bad. Granted I am not bothered that much by them so I may be a little jaded. I sat out night before last night around 7 - 8 and was in short sleeves and bare feet.


Granted there are alot of bugs out there, they just did not seem to bother most of us, (all adults) I saw no one using bug spray and head nets were hardly on anyone. I did finally got chased into my tent around 9:30. I also found a few ticks in the area. I use permethrin."

I think over the years on m Duncan-Rose trips usually the first week of June they are not as bad as many areas. Like Isabella or Gabbro area.

Just exited; 10 days Cache Bay to Blackstone, then thru Falls Chain to Kawnipi.

First few days cool and bugs not overwhelming.

But once it heated up they got bad...black flies, mosquitoes, sand flies (ankle biters) and even some deer and horse flies by the end...basically the whole shootin' match.

We had a nemo bugout, which was essential for evenings.

Campsite choice was a big deal, and we were rooting for high winds. Literally got chased off of one prospective campsite. Ran back to the canoe & launched with reckless abandon.

Proceeded to paddle hard, occasionally using my paddle to swat at the clouds above my own head and my buddy in front of me. Until I hit him in the head, which put a stop to that foolishness; it will take some time for me to live that one down.

sns: "Just exited; 10 days Cache Bay to Blackstone, then thru Falls Chain to Kawnipi.


First few days cool and bugs not overwhelming.


But once it heated up they got bad...black flies, mosquitoes, sand flies (ankle biters) and even some deer and horse flies by the end...basically the whole shootin' match.


We had a nemo bugout, which was essential for evenings.


Campsite choice was a big deal, and we were rooting for high winds. Literally got chased off of one prospective campsite. Ran back to the canoe & launched with reckless abandon.


Proceeded to paddle hard, occasionally using my paddle to swat at the clouds above my own head and my buddy in front of me. Until I hit him in the head, which put a stop to that foolishness; it will take some time (for the wound to heal)"

How bad are the bugs, you ask?

How bad can you imagine?

CityFisher74: "How bad are the bugs, you ask?


How bad can you imagine?"

Just back from Sagangons yesterday. They were bad and then worse. It was the most mosquitos I've ever seen on a trip!

Once I went to Permethrin on my gear and clothes, and Picaridin on my person, bugs became a non-issue.

KarlBAndersen1: "Once I went to Permethrin on my gear and clothes, and Picaridin on my person, bugs became a non-issue."

I put Deet on one arm and Picaridin on the other, I was surprised they seemed to work equally. Have to do more testing first before I switch from deet. Someone said Deet last longer then Picaridin?

I just did the Lady Chain from Kawishiwi to Sawbill. Mosquitoes were not bad at all on Polly, (spent 2 nites there) however they were really, really bad on Beth Lake where we spent one night.

ockycamper: "Given the comments in this thread, why on earth are you guys still going in June, and not September?"

In my paddling days I’d say I go both. I’m not waiting all winter for open water and then wait for winter to be knocking on my door before I go... bugs I can deal with even on years like this...

Spent a few days on Fourtown this last week. The bugs were aggressive in shady areas and during dusk/dawn. Still enjoyed our time though.

Banksiana: " Stop moving for an instant."

Every morning I walk down to the lake and donate my share of blood too! Now the horse flies are coming out... so now I donate blood and a little flesh... haha!

nctry: "

Banksiana: " Stop moving for an instant."

Every morning I walk down to the lake and donate my share of blood too! Now the horse flies are coming out... so now I donate blood and a little flesh... haha!"

With this warmer weather more than normal, it seems like deer flies and horse flies are a few weeks early. Usually, they have one big hatch, maybe they will go AWAY EARLIER.

EP 50 on 6/9 down to Long Island Lake and back on 6/12. Mosquitos were bad but no biting flies.