What are peoples thoughts on snow shoeing /hiking into south lake through Topper as far as the level of difficulty? My boy and I are in reasonable shape but our downfall is that we like to fish and usually over pack on winter trips. The distance doesn't look to be to bad but that hill looks to be a killer according to the topo maps

That hill is a bugger but many people do it on day trips and with camping gear. I've done it once with camping gear and don't have any big plans on doing it again. Now when I fish South I just take my snowmobile down Gunflint and across North. South is a good lake and usually produces lots of lakers each day so it is a fun lake to fish. The average size usually isn't too bad either. I've always had better fishing on the east half of the lake.

Thanks alot Walleye_hunter ! It bums me out a bit that you have no plans to return to South. That tells me the trek is not too easy of a hike. We would be hot tenting so that hill is a concern no doubt. Grateful for the tips and Id love to hear a few more thoughts.

this portage is unlike any other (that i know of) in the bwca. it is extremely steep. portaging a canoe down it required that a person assisted the canoe carrier. pulling a sled down it would be very difficult, but if you are in the mood for a challenge, this is a real opportunity. using ropes and pulleys i am certain that it could be done but if you lost control of the sled be prepared for it to take off down the 30%+ slope. going back up with a sled would be a whole different matter.

quote williamevans: "Thanks alot Walleye_hunter ! It bums me out a bit that you have no plans to return to South. That tells me the trek is not too easy of a hike. We would be hot tenting so that hill is a concern no doubt. Grateful for the tips and Id love to hear a few more thoughts. "

I still fish South in the winter. Just access the lake a different way with my snowmobile. People do go up and down that hill in the winter on day trips and camping trips so it is doable and there will be a trail. Just make sure your water bottles are full before you start the trip home and stop at trail center for a burger and beer. You will have earned it.

quote jwartman59: "this portage is unlike any other (that i know of) in the bwca. it is extremely steep."

Clearwater to Rove is a close second. Both are babies compared to the portage to Diablo Lake in Steel River Provincial Park.

quote walleye_hunter: "

quote jwartman59: "this portage is unlike any other (that i know of) in the bwca. it is extremely steep."

Clearwater to Rove is a close second. Both are babies compared to the portage to Diablo Lake in Steel River Provincial Park. "

I think Clearwater to Rove is also a breadwalk compared to the South portage.

Thank you everyone very much. Maybe a better idea will be camp on topper and day trip to south for our 1ST winter trip. The way you guys are talking I'm kind of looking forward to seeing that hill for the first time. I couldn't imagine what it would be like taking a canoe up that hill the way you guys describe it.