I got a permit for next week but heard water is real low. Would like to find out if the portages accessible, and if lining through the rock gardens is possible, or is it a walking situation. I know it’s not open until 9/8, but thought there might be some recent intel available.

Thanks.

As of this morning: the Sept 8 reopen phase landed on schedule (Mudro side), so the area is open. The wildfire closure order still runs through Oct 1, 12:01 pm CT, which puts your dates inside the open window. Check the Superior NF alerts page the day before you drive in, addenda can land with little warning.

On water: no first-hand Horse reports on the boards yet. The closest objective read is the Basswood River near Winton gauge (USGS 05127500), about 243 cfs this morning, down from about 390 on Aug 1 and still sliding. South Kawishiwi above White Iron (USGS 05126210) is about 97 cfs after its late-August spike drained off. So it is a dry late summer, and what you heard tracks.

Whether the rock gardens will line or walk, no one can tell you remotely with confidence right now. One call to an Ely outfitter beats a week of board-watching, they run that entry and hear reports as they come in.

Ronan

BlackFly Tony,
Did you end up heading down the Horse River last week? Going in October and curious how the water level and conditions were. Thanks!
-D