I am planning my first solo trip into Quetico from Stanton Bay September 2nd for 10 days. I would like to eventually get into Antoine Lake and try for some lakers. Because the maintenance map shows it hasn't been maintained yet will it be a tough going into this lake from the Ram side or be a little easier with the high water this year? Also, on my loop north towards my exit at Nym Lake I've read some challenges on the Elizabeth to Jesse portage. With the higher water would the Deux Rivieres route be a better choice or is it not a good idea with the current going south to north?? Anyone been in these areas yet this year? Any advice for a 1st timer appreciated.

My recollection of that portage is that it is pretty straightforward. But there was a significant amount of chainsaw-requiring clearage from the recent past. This suggests some previous difficulty may have been encountered at some point before the portage clearing cavalry moved in.

Argo: "My recollection of that portage is that it is pretty straightforward. But there was a significant amount of chainsaw-requiring clearage from the recent past. This suggests some previous difficulty may have been encountered at some point before the portage clearing cavalry moved in."

Argo, when was the last year that you went into Antoine and what time of year? What's concerning me is the portage maintenance map shows gold colors and that means they aren't doing anything yet this year.

I did both of those portages in June and they were clear. Piece of cake. Antoine was muddy but it is always muddy.

kylethetoolman: "

Argo: "My recollection of that portage is that it is pretty straightforward. But there was a significant amount of chainsaw-requiring clearage from the recent past. This suggests some previous difficulty may have been encountered at some point before the portage clearing cavalry moved in."

Argo, when was the last year that you went into Antoine and what time of year? What's concerning me is the portage maintenance map shows gold colors and that means they aren't doing anything yet this year. "

Sorry, I was referring to the Elizabeth to Jesse portage. Did it in 2020 and 2022.

Did the Elizabeth to Jesse portage in late June: pretty long and pretty muddy and definitely buggy, but it was clear the whole way.

We did the Sturgeon to Ram to Antoine portages second week of June and the portages were a muddy mess. We left south out of Antoine via the 200 rod portage to Sturgeon. It is steep, rough and overgrown. I'd think twice before doing that portage again. If you are a billy goat it might be a fine.

Ruthmv: "We did the Sturgeon to Ram to Antoine portages second week of June and the portages were a muddy mess. We left south out of Antoine via the 200 rod portage to Sturgeon. It is steep, rough and overgrown. I'd think twice before doing that portage again. If you are a billy goat it might be a fine."

Ruthmv…hopefully a little easier now since you were there in June. It shows on the maintenance map it was cleared in July.

I can confirm that the portages to Antoine via Ram are easy and will present no problems. If you want to try you can take the creek to the north end of Ram and do a 25 yard portage if the water levels remain high thus substantially shortening your portage

The entrance to the regular Ram portage is not evident as there is a reedy section before you see the portage. Just walk on the reedy grass and you will find the entrance.

As already stated the portage from Antoine direct to Sturgeon is a Billy goat exhausting trail and not for the faint of heart.

With the high water in early July, we were able to enter Ram from the north. Following a narrowing water path surrounded by reeds, we end up twisting our way thru the reeds barely following a path that at this point was made by and for beavers not a 18' canoe. We had to do a couple of 3 point turn to follow the path. All the while hearing the sound of rushing water coming from somewhere head of us. We end up at the bottom of a large beaver dam with rushing water coming over the dam that made for a bit of a challenge. We pulled over the dam and floated on the prettiest beaver pond that had a high cliff on one side and super clear water that was coming from Ram. On the other side of beaver pond is a 30 yard long path just left of rapids that will lead to Ram. Only in high water will this work, if you try to get out and walk the canoe through the reeds during normal water levels, you will sink up to your waist and be eaten by leeches.

The Ram to Antoine was about as muddy as it gets and although not a long portage, it feels long.

Antoine to Sturgeon was an experience not soon forgotten. It was the first portage of the day thankfully. One of the toughest I have taken, but part of that could have been the conditions (Wet and buggy). It is uphill the first half with some rough mud spots with slippery, dangerous logs you had to balance on or risk getting stuck in the mud. Both my son and I fell on the same log, The only time we fell on the trip. I was carrying the canoe when I fell, fell on my butt on the log and was able to get up but now my right foot was stuck in boot sucking mud. I thought I was going to lose my boot but a few minutes of gentle movement got me unstuck. Must have been 50 mosquitos under the canoe around my head the entire time. I ate at least 4 bugs because I was inhaling soo hard. I had to dump the canoe and day pack about half way where there is an opening and go back for the second load. It was early morning and not hot but I was wiped. Towards of end of the portage the trail got muddy again and flooded to the point we had to load up the canoe and paddle our way out of the forest to end the portage. As the portage kicks us in the ass one last time, my sons turns to me and says "mosquitos are a great motivator".