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StLouisPaddler	08/07/2023 01:55PM   Was on the Falls Chain in Q from 7/30 to 8/5. We had a limited number of mosquitos and deerfly. They were not an issue except at dawn/dusk or back in the woods.
Kaparzo	06/04/2023 07:06AM   EP 26 - Wood Lake May 26-29. I have done a Memorial weekend trip ~15 times. This was the worst I’ve seen mosquitos. You could hear lots of humming around shore. Flies were minimal and encountered a few ticks per person. Adventure pants worked well to stop mosquitos but still stay cool when 80 degrees out. Bug head nets saved the trip for the kids. I regret not treating my clothes with permethrin or bringing thermacells.
Zulu	06/04/2023 09:50AM   I saw a Moose on The Gunflint Trail near Cross River on May 13th. The heat and humidity was intense in late May/Early June. High 80’s. The tent became a Sweat Lodge and the swarms of Mosquitos on the mesh stood mesmerized watching me. It was a suffer fest and it became comical as a character building exercise. It’s fun to think about now that I’m at the air conditioned Harbor of Grand Marais at 43 degrees.
aerosen	07/10/2023 08:52PM   Round trip Cross Bay to Cherokee, 7/7 to 7/10. Mosquitos were noticeable near the latrines in the mornings and evenings. Not bad along portages.
sns	08/08/2023 09:39AM   Just out of the Q - Kahsh > Agnes loop. Spotty mosquitoes...but they were an issue every morning and every evening. On some portages they were annoying. However nothing like the murderfest back in late May & early June. One bald-faced hornet sting.
Lukersota	06/21/2023 06:20PM   Moose River North EP 16- June 15th-19th Bugs were pretty bad on Agnes and Nina Moose- Many points it became so bad it was unbearable. We didn't have any bears at either our our camps on Nina Moose or Agnes but someone we talked to on the Moose River said they had a bear at their camp on the South West side of Agnes.
Noslen	06/05/2023 06:05AM   Exited 3 Jun, Tak, Gun, the smaller lakes south of LLC. Some mosquitos sunrise and sunset, but sometimes didn't use DEET until 2130 or later and didn't bother on most portages. Not bad at all. Our tow driver picked us up with full upper body netting, with a bunch of guys from Quetico trip. They said it was horrible MacRee and north. Local conditions I guess.
CoachBigD	08/06/2023 06:07PM   Any recent reports from Poplar/Caribou/Horseshoe area?
MikeinMpls	07/18/2023 08:22AM   Came out on July 13 from five days solo on Wood Lake. I've had worse bugs, but they were definitely there. The forest-wide "mosquito hum" at dusk was the loudest I have ever experienced, and made me very glad I go to bed early when tripping. The ~200 rod portage from the EP parking lot to Wood Lake was ferocious with them. I hate wearing bug spray, so I wore my bug shirt on the portage out, choosing the increased heat of the bug shirt over DEET. In camp, I used my Thermacells, and they worked just fine. Mike
msnature	06/15/2023 09:47AM   Entered on Snowbank on Sunday. Skeets were insane on the portages. Camped on Disappointment (NE 1381) and needed very little deet unless you went into the woods. Came out the same route yesterday and the skeets were just as bad on the portages.
4keys	07/17/2023 10:28PM   Came out 7-16 from Moose R north to Boulder Bay. We had permethrin on our clothes, no thermocells, no head nets , no spray. Mosquitoes didn’t seem too bad. 1 or 2 portages they were somewhat bothersome, especially on my hands, but did not use any spray. On our way out we saw a lot of people going in with headnets on. Of course the latrine area had a few extra bugs. And as always, the skeeters were noticeable about 9:00 but not bad bad enough to drive us from the fire. We did not encounter any bears.
gbgraves	09/05/2023 03:56PM   Caribou, Horseshoe, Gaskin, and Winchell last Sunday-Friday. Bugs were essentially non-existent, even though it was relatively warm and a couple of the nights were calm. Never used head nets or bug spray. Everyone was pleasantly surprised!
BEARnMOOSE	07/08/2023 01:17PM   July 2 -7 went in at Morgan lake west to long Island and then east out to poplar. Bugs didn't seem to bad. We thought it was no different than anywhere else in Minnesota. Clothes were treated, thermacell was used in camp at times, and 100% deet for some Portages but probably didn't need too. Never used the headnets except for one morning latrine trip. Might have helped that we were asleep or in the tent for the night before dark every day. Saw a female moose on NW end of horseshoe standing neck deep in the center of the bay eating. We saw her from a distance and couldn't figure out what was moving in the center of the lake, we could see her ears flickering and thought it was a loon flapping it's wings at first. What a surprise as we got closer. First time either of us had seen a moose. She let us drift closer for a bit taking photos from a distance then got tired of us and walked away at suprising speed through the water to shore. Was amazed at the thundering sound of hooves on land and branches breaking as she trotted away. Later that day saw a mother and calf on Pillsbury across from eastern campsite as we ate dinner. Heard them enter but couldn't see right away because of the little pine in front of the campsite. We stood to look and they were directly across from us. She was aware we were there and kept an eye on us but allowed us to watch them until we got tired amd went to bed. Also saw a big bull on Ross, and a young bull on Rush in bay with portage that doesn't go to little rush that looked allot like the picture from the post above. The bulls didn't seem to have much concern with us, we were closer and they kept an eye on us but didn't stop eating or seem to mind. First post. Hi! Tony and Janet.
afromaniac	08/29/2023 02:02PM   South Kawishiwi EP 32 - mosquitoes at dusk and a few bites from a portage but otherwise nothing at all to report for bugs.
Bunt021	05/22/2023 02:41PM   Exited from EP 47 on Sunday 5/21. Tiny black flies and a handful of slow moving skeeters came out on Sunday morning.
grizzlyadams	09/19/2023 09:35AM   Little late on the post but we had a bear come through camp one morning, in mid June, on the north side of U.S. Agnes. The dog scared it off and didn't see it again.
beanpole	06/15/2023 07:16PM   Entered on Lizz on June 5, spent 5 days in a loop exiting on Skipper June 9. Day 1 camp on Winchell - mosquitoes day & night - no reprieve Day 2 camp on Long Island - mosquitoes day & night - no reprieve Day 3 camp on Banadad - mosquitoes early day, most of the day and into the night Day 4 camp on Rush - mosquitoes early and late and in by the trees where there was no wind Day 5 exit - mosquitoes were bad on portages but not so bad on the lake Aside from birds, chipmunks and snakes, we saw no wildlife until we were leaving the gunflint trail where we saw a bear off the side of the road.
BEARnMOOSE	07/08/2023 06:59PM   Photos from above post.
Wispaddler	07/08/2023 10:00PM   My son came back on 7/3 from Vern lake area (homer ep). Skeeters still at biblical level…worst he’d ever seen. Surely they’ll back off a tad soon. What a year!
SouthernExposure	06/26/2023 12:14PM   Spent last week on Red Rock Lake after our original trip was shut down due to the Spice Lake fire. The Satanic mosquitos and black flies must have fled Ogishkemuncie and SAK and settled on our campsite and brother, they were hungry. Two of us went through 2.5 cans of 35% deet repellant and lived in a bug headnet. No bears.
joeandali	08/13/2023 07:21PM   Came out at Sawbill on the 11th after a 5 night Louse River loop. I would say bugs were typical. Came out around dusk if there was no breeze.
RetiredDave	09/12/2023 04:57PM   I just returned (out on 9/10) from a solo and spent my first and last nights on Alder. I purposely chose campsites 705 and 706 (both isolated sites on peninsulas) because there had been some bear activity in the campsites along the northern shore of Alder in the late spring. Also, the outfitters at Bearskin Lodge said a bear got one of their 30L barrels on Caribou just a couple of days before I went in. I camped on Canoe and Crystal as well, I saw no bears the entire time. But as I was driving home I heard a warning from the Forest Service that there had been a recent uptick in bear nuisances in the Boundary Waters (didn't say where), and that campers should follow established bear-avoidance practices. Guess that's all you can do. I hope you have a really enjoyable trip with no uninvited visitors! Dave
ltkenbo	05/31/2023 02:48PM   I just returned from a 4 night trip with a friend and his son and we did see a bear at our campsite, twice actually. We entered Mudro Lake (22) and camped up on Gun Lake at site #1085. There was nobody we saw on the entire lake, it was an awesome trip. On Tuesday 05/23/2023 at around 11 AM, we were eating a late breakfast and talking around the fire grate when all of a sudden by buddy said "There's a bear right there!" About 15 - 20 feet from us at the treeline there was a bear. We immediately got up an started yelling and making a bunch of noise. My friend grabbed his bear spray and we kept yelling. The bear didn't really seem to care, but just kind of wandered away back up into the woods. We headed towards that direction a bit and threw rocks and kept making noise. Our food pack was down at the time and we had just eaten bacon lol. Two days later on Thursday 05/25/2023, we saw another bear, though a bit further away from us this time. We yelled the same and made a bunch of noise, and same response, bear just kind of wandered away. There were no sightings beyond that. I've also reported the sighting here: Link to Map Might have been the same bear, maybe this is his normal trail, not sure. As far as bugs go, on that campsite since we had a lot of wind and they weren't bad. Mostly those annoying gnat things, very few mosquitos or flies. Our last night we camped on Fourtown on the campsite (1110) that has the old car, and there were some mosquitos and flies there, though not terrible still.
straighthairedcurly	09/12/2023 06:58PM   Bear hit west most campsite on Mountain Lake last week. Also found evidence on Greater Cherry portage into Moose had evidence that a pack had been disassembled by a bear and food spread around.
Peregrine	06/02/2023 11:48PM   My son and I entered East Bearskin 5/29 and exited from East Bearskin today, 6/2. Blackflies and mosquitos were bad early morning and evening as expected for June. Nemo bug tent saved the day again. I think Shoveler's post above referred to us regarding the bear trouble on Alder. The bear was very persistent and in camp 3 times during the day. We chased and threw rocks and it moved off but not frightened. Came through twice during the night as well but everything was tucked away except for bug tent and water jug, both suffered damage. We moved on to another lake. Still a great trip. Fishing was great. Scenery was awesome. Company was awesome.
Shoveler	05/31/2023 08:20PM   Just returned on 5/31 from a few nights of base camping on Alder lake (from East Bearskin EP 64). While we didn't have any issues with bears during our trip, we did talk to a group that was portaging into Canoe lake and who had been camping at one of the sites on the north shore of Alder. They said that they had a very persistent bear come into their camp 3 different times during the day and another 2 more times that night, and that they were moving to try to find a site on a different lake. There is also a notice posted at the East Bearskin access dated 9/22 warning of numerous bear problems on Alder, Canoe, Crystal, Caribou, Moon, Deer, etc. Just a heads up for anyone planning a trip there to keep a clean camp and a well secured food pack since it seems that the problem bear (or bears) from last year are still around.
AlexanderSupertramp	05/28/2023 12:50PM   Came out Friday from EP 37, virtually zero bugs until Friday at about noon. Was like a light switch. Skipped the last night I had planned on Kawishiwi because they were so bad. Ate lunch at a campsite then packed it up and headed home. On a positive note, not a single wood tick on myself or the dog the whole trip.
JWilder	05/28/2023 11:54AM   Exited ep 30 yesterday. Black flies have joined forces with the mosquitoes. They are a welcoming bunch… JW
Dotbear	07/14/2023 08:04PM   Went to South Temperance via Baker Lake this past week, and the skeeters were insane on the portages, but not so bad at the campsite. A solid breeze on two days helped for sure, but even when that died down they weren't terrible. No bears, thankfully. No moose, sadly.
TuscaroraBorealis	06/17/2023 12:01PM   Just got back from Malberg Lake... Mosquitos of Biblical plague proportions throughout the week. My brother & nephew seen a black bear near the west end of the lake. We had no problems (with bears), nor did anyone we spoke to.
iCallitMaize	06/17/2023 03:55PM   TuscaroraBorealis: "Just got back from Malberg Lake... Mosquitos of Biblical plague proportions throughout the week. My brother & nephew seen a black bear near the west end of the lake. We had no problems (with bears), nor did anyone we spoke to." “Biblical” Hahahahaha Always good to think about the book of Exodus right before one enters the BWCA. It’s so uplifting. Mosquitoes better than locust I suppose.
ducks	06/22/2023 11:19PM   June 19-22 Wood Lake Not nearly as bad as I had feared it would be from reports. Mosquitoes were there on the portage but not terrible. . I didn’t need my bug net , but my daughter did. In camp they weren’t bad at all. We were on a south facing point with a south wind blowing at all times so that helped. But they weren’t bad back by the latrine either. The only time we used bug spray was for portaging. No bug screen at camp and the thermacell stayed in the pack. All sorts of flies were flying around when we were out fishing and the only time they were in camp was right when we got done swimming. We didn’t see any bears but 2 guys on the portage said one crossed the portage less than a minute before we crossed paths with them
kjw	07/14/2023 07:14PM   Spent last Saturday and Sunday in Fall Lake Campground. Don't remember having to put on any bug spray. Went up Moose River North into Nina Moose Lake to base camp. Did day trip to Lake Agnes. Came out of entry point on Thursday. Didn't need to use my Thermacell. Bugs were not much of an issue. Used a little bug spray. Only needed bug spray back at throne and parts of Moose River. Mainly used head net for portions of Moose River. Flys were biting at camp and I had to put on socks with my Crocs to stop that. Bugshirts and tarps with netting would have been wasted space/weight in pack.
SouthernExposure	06/25/2023 03:09PM   My daughter and I had to change our plans at the last minute due to the Spice Lake Fire so we headed north out of Alpine and base camped on Red Rock Lake from 6/16 through 6/22. Our site had a nice breezy west facing rock area but we had real bad mosquito and black fly problems. Fortunately we had heeded the reports of bug populations and we both had mosquito head nets and wound up using 2.5 cans of repellant. The mosquitos were murderous on the postages in particular.
iwegean	06/25/2023 05:43PM   Spent last week on Lac la Croix, Boulder Bay Bay. Bugs were all present, not unbearable and mosquitos were controlled with normal repellants. By midweek we were getting reports of bear activity on Agnes. Thursday evening, a group was chased off a site on Iron Lake and reported all sites between Bottle portage and Boulder Bay were occupied. We offered them sanctuary for two nights. No bear activity on Lac la Croix.
portagerunner	06/27/2023 12:12PM   We spent last week in the Gabbro Lake area. The bugs were surprisingly manageable. The horse flies were the only pests during the daytime hours. Along portages and at dusk the mosquitos were out in force but that is to be expected. Other than early morning or in the evening we did not need to use bug spray most of the trip. The wind blowing through our campsite surely helped keep them away as well.
KawnipiKid	09/03/2023 12:42PM   Back yesterday and bugs were typical or even fewer than usual for late August. Went in 8/26 at Brandt to Gillis, Gabi, Little Sag, Makwa and into the Mugwump PMA. Back through Little Sag, Crooked, Tuscarora to Round. Just a few mosquitos 7-8 pm in camps and a few on portages. It was a breezy stretch, which helped too. A couple of the last flies around the ankles one mid day. No bear. A big and healthy bull moose on the very first portage of the trip, Round to West Round. Busy with humans on the first and last days but very quiet the entire heart of the trip.
scottiebaldwin	07/04/2023 04:28AM   Today is July 3, 2023. Just came out of EP49, Skipper. I was there for the past few days. I stayed on the less desirable island site on Banadad. The whole trip there wasn’t a single mosquito! Even on the long 320 rod portage. I couldn’t believe it! Also, there was a moose on the Little Rush side of the Rush to Little Rush portage.
Jefflynn06	07/05/2023 12:05PM   Spent 4 days on Snipe Lake (missing link entry point) from June 29th-July 2nd. The mosquitos were terrible on Wednesday night when I arrived at White Pine Lodge (my stay the night before) and based on that along with prior reports on this site, I was dreading the worst once I entered the BWCA. My fears were unfounded! There were some mosquitos on the two portages between Round and Snipe, a few mosquitoes in the mornings, a few flies for about an hour one day, but that was the extent of bugs for 4 days. Besides those, almost none. Saw more dragonflies than I did other bugs. I stayed at the eastern-most camp site on Snipe which is on a point. It provided some nice breezes but I also had quite a bit of time with complete calm. I did spray my outer clothing and tent with Permethrin beforehand. Used bug spray on the first two portages, on my ankles when the flies were out, and then maybe once or twice more. Least amount of bugs I've encountered in over 15 years of BWCA trips.
BWCA	09/08/2023 08:29AM   Forest Service notice on Bear activity: Superior National Forest managers urge the public to learn and practice Bear Aware principles for the protection of both visitors and bears. The following areas on the Forest are seeing an increase in bear-human conflict reports: Gunflint–Grand Marais area • Clearwater Lake • Rose Lake • Duncan Lake • Alder Lake • Moon Lake • Caribou Lake LaCroix–Cook area • Agnus Lake Read full document
Chattysherpa	09/08/2023 12:04PM   YaMarVa: "On 8/20, while watching the campfire at my site on Lake Agnes, from across the lake I heard people repeatedly yelling at a bear to get out of their camp. Anyone here have a story to share?" We found a note under rock on firegrate on agnes dated 8/20.we camped site 8/ 21. Left for oyster portage around 11. Tracks headed north on beach by portage. We hang our food bags. I am a arborist so no bear is getting my food lol
CoachBigD	09/08/2023 12:07PM   admin: " Forest Service notice on Bear activity: Superior National Forest managers urge the public to learn and practice Bear Aware principles for the protection of both visitors and bears. The following areas on the Forest are seeing an increase in bear-human conflict reports: Gunflint–Grand Marais area • Clearwater Lake • Rose Lake • Duncan Lake • Alder Lake • Moon Lake • Caribou Lake LaCroix–Cook area • Agnus Lake Read full document" I had to double take since the rangers didn't mention any problems prior to our trip last weekend through Caribou to Horseshoe. Then I remembered there is another Caribou east of Clearwater and north of Alder and Deer.
newbie2021	07/07/2023 01:27PM   On our way out on 7/5/23 - after the last portage from Fourtown into Mudro, I was watching my footing and not looking up. A bear saw me before I saw him. He jumped into water, ran across the stream and up the other side. It happened so quickly I didn't have time to grab the camera. We did snag a picture of his wet paw prints on the rocks though. Cool experience, just wish I had seen him first.
mags459	07/08/2023 10:29AM   July 2 - July 7 3 bear cubs spotted on crooked lake near Thursday Bay. One ran through camp on night but no other issues. I am sure mama was around but we did not see her and nothing in camp was touched. We do pride ourselves on a really clean camp with food hung correctly Bugs bad from 9- to 10 pm. Around Mudro portages they were bad other than that it’s MN there are mosquitoes.
Buster	07/08/2023 11:49AM   scottiebaldwin: "Today is July 3, 2023. Just came out of EP49, Skipper. I was there for the past few days. I stayed on the less desirable island site on Banadad. The whole trip there wasn’t a single mosquito! Even on the long 320 rod portage. I couldn’t believe it! Also, there was a moose on the Little Rush side of the Rush to Little Rush portage. " Nice picture...
iCallitMaize	07/09/2023 10:57AM   Was in the bald eagle area all week. Bugs were a non-factor. No bears or bear sign seen. Chipmunks, dragonflies, grouse and baby ducklings plentiful.
schweady	09/11/2023 03:26PM   Any first-hand experiences w bear this year on Alder? Seems like it's being mentioned on the September list more often. Thinking of basing there next week; had a good time there two years ago. Or maybe should think about moving on one or two extra portages.
AlexanderSupertramp	07/11/2023 07:57AM   aerosen: "Round trip Cross Bay to Cherokee, 7/7 to 7/10. Mosquitos were noticeable near the latrines in the mornings and evenings. Not bad along portages." Probably doing this same route starting Thursday. I think the overnight lows up there last night and the next few nights will wipe out most of the bugs. At least that is what I am hoping for!
loonatic	07/12/2023 12:02AM   Returned on Sunday (7/9) from an in-and-out three night trip to Lake Agnes via Moose River North EP. No bears during stay on NW campsite of the lake, though we made sure to have a clean campsite and hang as high as we could after reading bear reports on Agnes and viewing the videos of a bear attempting to steal food on a BWCA Facebook page. Mosquitos were abundant (as were the walleyes)! We had an incredibly unique and once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a wolf along the river just south of Nina Moose Lake. As we were approaching a beaver dam near the Nina Moose Overlook (what we've referred to as "top of the world"), we heard a splash just ahead and a black wolf started swimming about a canoe's length ahead of our canoe... and eventually across the river to the other side. Remarkable! At first we thought it was a bear at first excited glance... but it became quickly obvious it was a wolf... and of course, a long tail as it exited the other side. Neat!
schweady	07/15/2023 03:02PM   Just got back after a short trip this week from South Farm to Clear Lake. Flies were their usual hovering, annoying selves, but mosquitoes were nearly nonexistent. Not sure if I credit the permethrin soaked clothing, the picaridin spray, or the 25-30 mph SW winds.
schweady	09/21/2023 05:21PM   Stayed on Canoe this week with our Bear Vault safely stashed in the woods each night. No bears seen nor reported by anyone we spoke with, even on Alder which is in the current FS warning. I am so done with hanging food packs and believe that the practice does more to attract persistent bears than deter. Oh, and 3 mosquitoes heard, 1 seen, 0 landed.
nojobro	09/22/2023 12:06PM   Thanks Schweady!
QuietSolo	07/21/2023 07:45PM   dbalmer: "Any update on bugs? Trying to decide whether to pack my bugout shelter. Have a trip next weekend out of mudro. TIA. " I'd pack it. Glad I had mine last week on Lynx. I expect to wear bug jacket on portages in July. Also wore it and gloves for entire paddle between EP 14 and Lynx (both ways)! Mainly mosquitoes but also 2 kinds of biting flies.
dbalmer	07/21/2023 06:45PM   Any update on bugs? Trying to decide whether to pack my bugout shelter. Have a trip next weekend out of mudro. TIA.
ockycamper	07/22/2023 05:44PM   A friend is going to Saganage and Red Rock first week of August. Any updates on bugs in that area?
Dogpaddler	07/23/2023 08:34PM   7/21-7/23 on Fourtown. Mosquitos were light on portages and camp. Mostly out right before dark. Biting flys got annoying from time to time but still not a big issue. No bug nets or repellant. No bears.
chiefagikamik	07/23/2023 07:31AM   Just came out off Round Lake - did 4 nights from Brant Lake over to Gillis then down through Tuscarora and out, Put in Monday July 17 came out Friday July 21. Bugs: The mosquitos were pretty bad around dawn & dusk times, at all the sites. Otherwise, during the main part of the day there were few mosquitos in spots with any breeze at all or that were sunny. Yet if you walked a bit back in the woods, say to the latrine or to hang a bear bag, you were pretty much swarmed. Bears: Didn't see any bears or any sign of bears.
StLouisPaddler	07/23/2023 09:58AM   I had the family on Zephyr and Sag from 7/17 to 7/21. Mosquitoes were not at all an issue.
YaMarVa	07/23/2023 08:22AM   Spent four days on Little Sag, 7/18 - 7/21, and the bugs were almost non-existent compared to my trip in mid June.
Zulu	05/28/2023 02:25PM   It was like going from mid May to early July overnight with the hatch on Upper Gunflint last Friday. The gangs all here except for Deer Flies. Same story being reported elsewhere in Northern Minnesota. Several Groups curtailed their trips and I felt bad for them.
pastorjsackett	05/29/2023 09:42PM   Quote from our Ely contact where we'll be staying Friday night before our trip: "It's been really warm. Water levels are just about back to normal. The bugs are horrendous."
OMGitsKa	05/29/2023 06:29PM   Came out of the Gunflint (EP51) on Saturday. Bugs started to come out on Thursday and by Saturday on the exit they were getting pretty pesky. Its started I would say.
geotramper	05/30/2023 01:19PM   Sawbill to Phoebe Memorial day weekend. Black flies were abundant. Mosquitos weren't bad at our campsite, but some portages (particularly those between Phoebe and Grace) were terrible. Head nets and bug spray were required at times.
Speckled	05/30/2023 07:32AM   Memorial Weekend - just south of Ely; Mosquito's and gnats/sadnflies - mostly gnats, mosquito's were tolerable. Gnats were thick. By Monday - they had subsided to more tolerable levels.
YardstickAngler	06/01/2023 05:00AM   Was tripping 5/21-27, Sawbill area. Bugs very minimal first 4 days, noticeably hatching on day 5, and definitely a nuisance day 6 and 7. Black flies in particular. Only had to use my headnet at sunrise for a short time, bug spray helpful but not an absolute must. But they were coming on strong.
nooneuno	06/02/2023 07:00PM   We came out of Hog Creek on 5/30 bugs were hella bad wish I would have brought my suit of armor instead of just long sleeves and a headnet...
Frenchy19	06/02/2023 08:45PM   Pulled out of the Kawish area today two days earlier than planned. Hotter than hell, and the worst mosquitoes I have seen in 30 years of tripping. In Tofte now after a long day from Fishdance to Kawishiwi.
AluminumBarge	06/02/2023 09:52PM   Came out yesterday, June 1. We were on Iron Lake for 5 days. The bugs were atrocious. The only thing that made it tolerable was the screen shelter I brought. It would have been impossible to cook or eat outside of the tent without it. The last two days the deer flies started to emerge but weren’t too bad yet. Once on the lake there weren’t many bugs though. Sat inside the screen shelter each night and you could just hear the hummmmmmm. They are really bad this year.
gravelroad	06/03/2023 10:04AM   AluminumBarge: "Came out yesterday, June 1. We were on Iron Lake for 5 days. The bugs were atrocious. The only thing that made it tolerable was the screen shelter I brought. I would have been impossible to cook or eat outside of the tent without it. The last two days the deer flies started to emerge but weren’t too bad yet. Once on the lake there weren’t many bugs though. Sat inside the screen shelter each night and you could just hear the hummmmmmm. They are really bad this year." My father and uncle were camped on Mountain one late May evening and were surprised to hear a pre-ban motor coming down the lake. ‘Twas the hummmmmm, not a motor …
BrendaRMyren	06/05/2023 10:08AM   Round trip from Duncan to Clearwater May 23-31. It froze the first night but by about day 3-4 it had warmed up and brought with it clouds of mosquitoes along the shorelines. By the end of the trip the bugs were getting annoying and increasing daily, but weren't bad yet. No ticks. I would guess the flies and mosquitoes are in full force now based on how quickly they were increasing during our trip. No bear sign whatsoever, one old moose pile, and lots and lots of wolf tracks and large piles of deer- hair filled scat, especially on the Rose to Rove trek.
minnesotashooter	06/07/2023 03:13PM   Spent 3 nights on Crocodile Lake. Mosquitoes were horrible on the portage from East Bearskin to Crocodile but in camp on Crocodile the bugs weren't horrible. No ticks, only mosquitoes. Headnets and bug spray were absolute necessities.
minnesotashooter	06/07/2023 03:22PM   Peregrine: "My son and I entered East Bearskin 5/29 and exited from East Bearskin today, 6/2. Blackflies and mosquitos were bad early morning and evening as expected for June. Nemo bug tent saved the day again. I think Shoveler's post above referred to us regarding the bear trouble on Alder. The bear was very persistent and in camp 3 times during the day. We chased and threw rocks and it moved off but not frightened. Came through twice during the night as well but everything was tucked away except for bug tent and water jug, both suffered damage. We moved on to another lake. Still a great trip. Fishing was great. Scenery was awesome. Company was awesome." As of June 6, the East Bearskin entry point for EP64 and 66 had bear warnings for Moon, Alder, Canoe and that area
aerosen	06/08/2023 07:21PM   Cross Bay to Brant Lake via Frost River, June 2 - 6. Mosquitos were thick on portages and when not on the lakefront at the campsites. My bug net and bug dope made it all tolerable. Saw a moose at about 12:45 p.m. on June 3 in Octopus Lake. She was neck deep in the water, eating. After a while, she had enough of me as an audience and wandered away.
MikeinMpls	06/08/2023 04:52PM   minnesotashooter: "Peregrine: "My son and I entered East Bearskin 5/29 and exited from East Bearskin today, 6/2. Blackflies and mosquitos were bad early morning and evening as expected for June. Nemo bug tent saved the day again. I think Shoveler's post above referred to us regarding the bear trouble on Alder. The bear was very persistent and in camp 3 times during the day. We chased and threw rocks and it moved off but not frightened. Came through twice during the night as well but everything was tucked away except for bug tent and water jug, both suffered damage. We moved on to another lake. Still a great trip. Fishing was great. Scenery was awesome. Company was awesome." As of June 6, the East Bearskin entry point for EP64 and 66 had bear warnings for Moon, Alder, Canoe and that area" May 25ish- there was a bear on the portage between Clearwater and West Pike. Dragged away a friend's pack. We were camped close, but did not encounter the bear. Mike
sns	06/08/2023 05:24PM   Frenchy19: "Pulled out of the Kawish area today two days earlier than planned. Hotter than hell, and the worst mosquitoes I have seen in 30 years of tripping. In Tofte now after a long day from Fishdance to Kawishiwi." We were in 5/24 to 6/2 (Cache Bay) and I'd say the same. Too hot to sleep, felt like we were roasted for a feast during the day. Which was accurate. Black flies, Mosquitoes, Ankle Biters, and by the end Deer and Horse flies were all enjoying our basted bodies.
OgimaaBines	06/13/2023 01:00PM   East Bearskin to Alder/Canoe/Pierz June 8th-12th. Busy weekend, lots of folks on Alder. Brutus, the local habituated bear made no appearance at our site on Pierz but the mosquitoes were in full force dawn and dusk and away from open areas.
pleflar	06/14/2023 04:06PM   Out from Snowbank on the 5th, traveled to Adams via Alice and Fishdance and back through Fraser. Bugs were bad everywhere all day long. Some of the portages, Snowbank-Disappointment in particular, were absolutely swarming. On the way back to Snowbank on the 12th the only exposed flesh was the finger tips and they were doing their best to bite us there.
JC007	06/22/2023 11:20AM   EP 23 Mudro - trek to Beartrap and back - May 31 - Jun 7. Mosquitoes are in force! Epic amounts in the shade and during hot, humid conditions. Expect them to swarm you as soon as you exit the car until you get back! Next - Flies of all kinds - house, black, deer, horse, etc. When the mosquitoes were not at you, the flies were. The no see-ums were just starting to come out at the end of our trip. Wore a head net most of the time and used some deet and citronella oil spray to protect hands and ankles in canoe. Some relief during dry spell and out on the lakes with light winds. Despite the battle - the experience is always worth it. Heard many had success with permethrin clothing treatment - I did not use that and wish I had at least on my socks to protect my ankles in the canoe.
x2jmorris	06/22/2023 02:08PM   June 18th - 21st (Kelso area) After 9pm the mosquitoes were the worst I have ever seen. And incredibly loud. Brought a cheap screen tent so we could stay out but if we didn't have that... I think bed time would have been at 9pm. During the day there weren't many mosquitoes at camp but still horrendous in the woods/latrine. Flies of all kinds. Horse flies, Stable flies, Black flies, and the worst was tons of Deer flies. Actually regarding the flies, my experience was near identical to JC007. No see-ums were also there but not many. Headnets, 40% deet, pants, and a screen tent was our bug prevention.
ducks	08/06/2023 08:18PM   CoachBigD: "Any recent reports from Poplar/Caribou/Horseshoe area?" We were just at Rockwood last week in a cabin and they said that they haven't had any reports about the nuisance bear from last year this year.
RetiredDave	08/07/2023 06:26AM   How about problem bears near EP 64? Anyone been there recently or heard anything? I know there were problems earlier this summer. Thanks! Dave
CoachBigD	08/07/2023 04:47AM   Thank you ducks! How was your stay at the cabin? Rockwood was filled up for us. We will be spending a couple days at Clearwater Lodge before a quick weekend trip to Horseshoe at the end of the month. Starting to get real excited!
AlexanderSupertramp	08/07/2023 07:25AM   Just came back from a Sawbill-Cherokee loop and a day trip to Frost, exited on Friday. I wouldn't say bugs were non-existent, but other than the latrine area at each camp and maybe 1 of the portages, I wasn't bothered by any mosquitos, and never even took the bug spray out. No bears.
ducks	08/07/2023 08:37AM   CoachBigD: "Thank you ducks! How was your stay at the cabin? Rockwood was filled up for us. We will be spending a couple days at Clearwater Lodge before a quick weekend trip to Horseshoe at the end of the month. Starting to get real excited!" We had a great time. Didn’t want to go home. They book up for the whole summer really early now. You pretty much need to book by fall now for the following summer. A few years ago we wouldn’t book until February, now we book for the following year when we check out in order to get the dates and cabin that we want. Have a great trip. Clearwater is also a very nice place. They also said that a lot of people have been seeing moose in the horseshoe area again this year.
salukiguy	08/07/2023 09:38AM   Just returned from the Granite River loop. Mosquitoes bad at dusk. Enough to send you to the tent. Then they abated after dark. Otherwise not bad on portages or elsewhere. Horseflies very annoying everywhere.
OHPaddler	08/15/2023 06:22PM   7/31-8/9. Moose river north to fall lake, via Oyster. Sightings included: River otters on Agnes, entering from Pocket Creek (8/1) Bull Moose on Gebe Creek, just prior to Pocket Creek (8/3). Young wolf (6mo ish) just past the bottle portage (8/5 Heard wolves on Gebeonequet and Iron. They were loud enough to wake us on Gebe. Bugs were not a huge issue. Mosquitoes were bad (as usual) at sundown at all sites - but improved as night went on. No bears sighted.
jwmiller39	05/22/2023 08:58AM   seems like the first hatch is going on as we speak in the Duluth area
BigTim	06/16/2023 06:59AM   In thru EP 51, Missing Link, on Monday June 5th. Out thru same EP on Sunday June 11th. Mosquitos were plentiful on all portages. Early AM and late evening, they came out to snack at camp on Snipe. Flies were not an issue. Put it in perspective, we never wore a bug net all week - last year, bug nets were mandatory all day, including out fishing on lakes. No bears - but keeping a clean camp and hanging food properly is necessary.
moray	06/17/2023 06:03PM   Entered Lizz on Monday 6/12. Spent 3 nights on Gaskin. Bugs annoying on portages but not bad in camp. Wind kept them down, a little heavier at dusk and dawn. Saw a momma moose with 2 little ones swim across a bay on Tuesday. Spent Thursday and Friday nights on Caribou. Bugs were same,bad on portages but manageable in camp. Had 2 foxes come into camp on Friday night and had a very vocal beaver swim out front of camp for half an hour. Never heard a beaver make noise besides a tail slap.
chessie	07/25/2023 01:04PM   Slim lake for a few days last week: Mosquitoes were BAD, unless you were on the water. No bears. No moose.
adam	05/22/2023 08:29AM   Post your bug, bear, and moose reports when you get back from a trip or are in the area.
KjerJoy	05/22/2023 09:14AM   Just came out Saturday at EP 37 (Kawishiwi) and we had virtually no bugs. A couple mosquitos here and there, but nothing major yet.
CoachBigD	06/13/2023 04:33PM   Entered Moose on 5/30 and went to SAK. Camped at 1430. Mosquitos appeared to have hatched evening of 5/29. They were thick at times. Portages were rough. Particularly the portage to Sema. We first stopped at camp 1431 but left after about 5 minutes. Mosquitos were intense and there was zero chance of a breeze at that camp for relief. We picked 1430 because of a nice open rock in front of camp that caught the breeze most of the time were were there making it bearable. On 6/4, while fishing near camp 1434, we saw a momma bear cross the channel from north to south with two cubs. Momma browsed on vegetation along the shore of the big island. Our camp was about a half mile away as the crow flies with some cliffs in between. No sign of the bear at our camp. Seems like it could get to 1433 fairly easily.
CoachBigD	06/13/2023 06:12PM   CoachBigD: "Entered Moose on 5/30 and went to SAK. Camped at 1430. Mosquitos appeared to have hatched evening of 5/29. They were thick at times. Portages were rough. Particularly the portage to Sema. We first stopped at camp 1431 but left after about 5 minutes. Mosquitos were intense and there was zero chance of a breeze at that camp for relief. We picked 1430 because of a nice open rock in front of camp that caught the breeze most of the time were were there making it bearable. On 6/4, while fishing near camp 1434, we saw a momma bear cross the channel from north to south with two cubs. Momma browsed on vegetation along the shore of the big island. Our camp was about a half mile away as the crow flies with some cliffs in between. No sign of the bear at our camp. Seems like it could get to 1433 fairly easily." Link to map
portagerunner	08/11/2023 02:19PM   Came back yesterday (8/10) from sawbill - Cherokee loop and bugs were not a major factor. Most nights hardly a mosquito to speak of, only one night was awful at sunset (probably the calmest night). Occasional horse/deer fly during the day but nothing really that bothersome. Had thermacells out around the fire grate a couple nights but likely didn’t really need them.
dogwoodgirl	08/14/2023 06:57PM   Saw a bear on Ledge....a beaver chased it off. First time in 52 years of canoe tripping that I've seen a bear in the wilderness.
YaMarVa	08/22/2023 10:02AM   On 8/20, while watching the campfire at my site on Lake Agnes, from across the lake I heard people repeatedly yelling at a bear to get out of their camp. Anyone here have a story to share?