A few buddies and I are entering the park from the Crab Lake entry point (#4) on the 15th of August. We've never been to the BWCA before and are hoping for a little info...

What type of fishing success can we expect. We're all fairly versed smallmouth fishermen and were told that this area would provide us an opportunity for both numbers and size. Lures, color patterns, techniques....?

What type of weather is typical for this time of the year? Will we still be comfortable in shorts, or should we plan on pants for the evenings? Bugs?

I'd also like to get a general idea as to your feelings on this particular entry point. I understand that we've got a fairly long portage to start the trip, but after that shouldn't see too many other people?

I appreciate any info you can offer.

I'll answer the weather question and people.

August 15th is a time of year where you will experience everything from hot day time temps (80-90, but most often 65-75) to possible coolish night time temps. You probably will not get below freezing at night but temps in the low 40's are not unheard of.

I would bring a pair of shorts or better yet zip off pants. Be sure to bring extra socks, long pants and a shirt you can roll the sleeves up on and a warm top of some type-Your Rain coat can double as a warming layer. If you chill easily a fleece pullover or jacket would be a nice addition. You can also wear your PFD to block the wind and cold with your rain jacket. Do not bring too much stuff as you have to carry it over all portages and I know there are sme tough portages that way.

Bring some cocoa, cider or tea for evenings when it will get chilly. Having a warm drink around the campfire is a nice addition to an evening. Add a little kahlua to cocoa, or brandy to cider and you have a real nice warm up. Just make sure you bring it in a plastic approved container-not glass.

A bag rated to 30 degrees with a pad will be enough for sleeping, unless you get cold easily, then I might go with a liner and your 30 degree bag or a 15-20 degree bag.

Bugs-should not be a problem. Mosquitos, deer and horse flies will most likely still be around, but should not be a big problem. Black Flies should be non-existant. If it is cooling off a fair amount then bees could be looking to load up on carbs and be around camp for food and sweets. I would not worry about the bugs.

Have a plan for food as the bears will be loading up for winter and the berry crop will be gone by that time. Keep a clean camp, take care of food odors and your food by hanging it and you will have nothing to worry about.

The area will still be getting used by quite a few people so depending on where you go you will still encounter folks. You will find solitude, and you will feel alone at night, but people will be around. It won't feel like grand central, but it is busier than say Sept. 15

I have never used that entry point so can't help there and others are better fisher folks than I so I will let them answer those parts of your question. You will have a great time.

One note about the entry point. I do know that last year there was a re-routing of the Crab Lake entry point caused by a dispute with a landowner who was tired of the way the forest service treated him. The portage crossed this persons land. The entry was closed for a while until the portage could be re-routed around his land.

I do know the new portage entry is longer, hillier and tougher than it used to be. Do not be tempted to take the old portage over the landowners land. The portage is listed as 320 rods. I am not sure if it has been updated from the dispute or not. 320 rods is one mile in portage. If you single portage it will take you about 30-45 minutes unless you take long rests. Double portage will take you 1.5-2.0 hours.

Thank you both for the info...it's very much appreciated. I'm still curious about the fishing, as that was one of my main reasons for choosing this entry point.

There will be two canoes, four total people. I'd imagine we should be able to handle all our gear in only one trip.

We're using North Country outfitters to get our permits, but will be on our own for the rest of the trip. I can't wait!

Any additional FYIs or fishing info is greatly appreciated.

Thank You!