I'm very late posting this. This trip occurred the first week in August, right before they closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA, Northern MN) due to forest fires. There was a fire ban, so no roasting marshmallows, but only smelled smoke from the fires on the first day. The portage entry/exits were very rocky due to water levels being 2-4 feet low, but on the plus side the portages themselves were bone dry and the bugs were non-existent. Also, the water was warm enough for swimming everyday. With the warm water, we were worried that the smallies would be down deep, but that was not the case - it was the best top water smallie fishing we ever had. Streamers would also work, but why throw streamers when they are hitting on top?
We put in on East Bearskin Lake off the Gunflint Trail and made a 5 day loop going through 10 lakes.
My daughter paddling her Bell Magic - only 26 lbs!
My daughter and wife paddling our other craft - a Wenonah Spirit II - 42 lbs. Nice to portage!
Long portages can be hard!
So it is nice to find a good campsite.
Kick back and relax.
Take a much needed shower.
And get out for some evening fishing.
Thanks for looking!