Planned an early trip this year, trying to do the Frost River in early May. If Sawbill remains iced in on Friday (our entry day), is there an alternative EP we could hit for a nice little four night trip?

Plan is to go over to Sylvania if there's nothing open in the BW.

Should we still head north tomorrow or stage for Sylvania? Either way, we'll have a blast.

Yesterday Sawbill Lodge reported 21 inches of ice. I doubt you will be able to start there so make alternate plans.

Kendis reported in the ice out contest thread that Lake One is ice free

Rivers are open. You could put in at the Island River, paddle down the Island and Isabella...Bald Eagle and Gabbro will likely be open by then if they're not already. I know other lakes in the area with a fair amount of current opened this past weekend.

Even if Sawbill opens, your chances of getting to the Frost are still 50% at best. The deeper, colder lakes are still likely to be frozen. e.g. Alton almost always stays frozen past Sawbill. I would think that Cherokee would also remain frozen for at least a few days past Sawbill. Frost Lake is also a quite deep lake (deep enough to harbor a supply of lake trout). It may stay frozen past Sawbill's open.

Kawishiwi Lake to Malberg may be open. Smaller lakes with some moving water.

I would also think that the Temperance River watershed would be open. Baker Lake entry to South Temperance Lake. Lots of moving water.

As always, check with the outfitter (Sawbill Canoe Outfitters) before heading in.

Nay. Too early.