After the meeting of the minds this weekend, it has been decided that Mid May is the best time for us to go this year. This would be the earliest that we have ever gone by atleast 3 weeks. What can I expect from bugs to crowds? There are two trips in mind right now 1. Mudro up to Basswood falls, hoping to get ahead of the crowds this early 2. PMA trip out of Sawbill up through Sora,Copper,Iris and back down. If we did this no fishing probably as it would be our first bushwack.

This trip would hit the walleye opener I think so does anyone think that the crowds would emerge because of this. I really want to capture the true essence of the BW on this one, solitude and wildlife!

unfortunately, there will be some crowds in mid may going in mudro. and, believe it or not, bugs can be bad that early.

I am actually leanig more towards the bushwack out of Sawbill. But I have never done this before so I am a little apprehensive but excited at the same time.

Mid May + Bushwhacking = Ticks and no crowds ;)

Bushwhacking and fishing go well together. You might just discover your own secret hole.

That is the plan Stan! I intend on spending the next few years going where no man has gone before!!! HA HA I think Eglath has done this route before though, Kinda hoping he'll chime in with some info for me.

Good Luck getting to Sora, but I was coming from the Cooper side. Maybe it is easier to find and manage coming the other way.

I tried a couple of years ago and found it too hard even just to hike as I just wanted to get into to see Sora. Have plan "B" just in case you also have difficulties.

I hope you get there and can post a picture of Sora. The map makes it look like an interesting lake.

Beavers is right - Tics are aplenty in Mid May - I picked one up and got Lyme disease as a result. (Treated it isn't a problem, but still...) Treat all your clothing before the trip and inspect yourself closely every night.

Sorry -- didn't see the Sora info request -- I will respond when I have a bit more time...

here is a shot of the canoe on one of the ponds between Copper and Sora


here is a shot of our tent on the south end of Sora Lake


here is a shot of my friend Josh portaging in the Hairy Lake PMA

Mid May can be bad for Ticks and skeeters. Crowds are not as bad as in mid summer. The people that go up in May are anglers. You can also see a few flakes of snow. One trip we had an inch of wet snow May 15th. May is my favorite time though. Spring Peepers are heard everywhere.