Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Lake Four
by birdonbats

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 06/25/2024
Entry & Exit Point: Lake One (EP 30)
Number of Days: 4
Group Size: 4
Trip Introduction:
Despite bugs and weather, still a good time on Lake Four
Report
The four of us entered Entry #30 on Lake One. Lots of rain these past few months, so the water level was high and we were able to take 3 different shortcuts that are normally not available. The portages were a little busy and I met some folks from Hutchinson, MN and it turned out we had mutual friends. The wind was at our backs and we made excellent time. Lunch in between Lake Two and Lake Three.  Our targeted site on Lake Three was taken so we ended up at campsite #1494 on Lake Four. The site was not part of the burn, but pretty much everything around it was so the views were not very good. The landing is a rock ledge which worked out perfectly with the high water. Campsite will be rated a 3. Since we only had two small portages, I was talked into bringing a screen house ( about 8lbs!). and yet it was awesome as the mosquitos were the worst I had seen....ever! Highly recommend. Rain the first night. Fishing was very challenging. I caught one 16" walleye ( on a spinning lure ) and Kevin caught a few more for the 4 of us to enjoy a nice walleye dinner.  We finally figured out the smallmouth were hiding out inches from the shoreline eating mayflies and we had a blast catching them on our last afternoon. It rained during the night and as we packed up Friday morning which is never fun, but taking down is much better than setting up camp in the rain.  Always a good time here in the BWCA.