Photos of James Ehlers paddling by Jaymie Stocks. This is the 3rd time in 27 years that I can remember the outfitting crew having enough water to paddle in the street. It was a doozie!

We got 4.37 inches (official report) up to a lot more in the area. Tower, MN got over 7 inches. It was a powerful storm that went through that included tornadoes on radar. The town storm sirens went off just before the real rain began.

Check your 511 road app as there are road closures all around the Ely and Arrowhead region, most notably, Mud Creek Road, The Echo Trail, North Arm Road and Grassy Road to Mudro. While they work to repair these, nearby access to entry points and other entry points due to portage wash outs and more have been temporarily closed by the Forest Service.

Here's part of their latest update from the Superior National Forest Facebook Page:

U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest

NOTICE-BWCAW Entry Point Closures

BWCAW Entry Points Inaccessible and Permits Cancelled through 6/22/24

No Changes from the 6/19/24 list.

Due to washouts and flooding the following Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Entry Points are not accessible and permits have been cancelled/suspended through June 22, 2024.

Trout Lake #1 Day Use and Overnight Motor (motorized portage is not passable; paddle permits can still be issued)

Mudro Lake #23

Slim Lake #6

South Hegman Lake #77

Angleworm Lake #20

Angleworm Trail #21

Stuart River #19

From Big Lake #7

Affected permit holders through 6/22/24 have been notified. These cancellations are subject to change and additional permit suspensions could be added due to quickly changing conditions. Flood waters continue to rise across the forest and conditions change daily.

We expect that the following Entry Points will remain inaccessible into next week. The others will be reassessed again on 6/21/24.

Trout Lake #1 Day Use and Overnight Motor

Mudro Lake #23

Slim Lake #6

From Big Lake #7

Thank you for your patience as we work through these challenging conditions.

All this rain has affected the fishing. No real report except that if you're out fishing, paddling or driving, be safe. There's more rain on the way over the weekend for our region. Flash floods are real and they make roads unsafe and waterways unpredictable. Don't drive through water over roads and always wear your life vest on the water. Stay safe by being prepared and being smart.

We will just say with all this water changing activity, Mepps Spinners are a great bet in the BWCAW -- for more on this re-visit our fishing tips blog). Something flashy, something classic!

All this rain is keeping the head nets, bug dope and bug shirts at a must-have-premium. Please don't take this lightly, but if you forget to prepare ahead of time you can visit our retail store and get what you need. Original Bug Shirts are flying off the shelves faster than more blackflies can be born.

Wear your PFDs, don't take chances with high, fast moving water or flood conditions when driving or paddling. Don't be in a hurry!

The Outfitting Managers, Drew, Adam and Tim Barton are here for your trip planning, permits and guide reservations. You can click the link below for Trip Planning or call us at 1-800-223-6565.

Yours sincerely,



The Staff of

Piragis Northwoods Company and

the Boundary Waters Catalog

Less than 5 minute Camp Meal Blog

Need a quick and tasty alternative to gorp? Something hot and satisfying?

Click here to read the latest blog.

As Always, be Bear Aware

As you know, the Forest Service has instituted some new rules about handling food, etc. in the Boundary Waters in relation to Black Bears. In light of this change we have some new gear and old gear in place for both rent and purchase. To organize gear online easier we've created a new Bear Aware gear category.

Here is the order on the Superior National Forest site:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1174552

Bear hanging Illustrations:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd501921.pdf

Read the Blog here.

Join a Guided Group Canoe Trip with friends and family or make new friends in the BWCA

2024 Guided Group Trips:

Looking to join a group of paddlers this summer? We have an adventure for you. Sign up for our Guided Group Trips and we’ll make a trip up here super easy for you. Each one includes the Full Outfitting Package, a guide, and lodging before and after the canoe trip. See details of each trip online. There are a variety of trip levels where some are easy and some are challenging, but there is always one that will fit you just fine. Space is limited so sign up soon! Click links below for more info.

2024 Guided Group Trips

Quetico Trip                     July 13 - 20

Women’s Wilderness     July 20 - 26

Fall Colors                       Sept. 28 – Oct. 4

Stargazing Trip                Sept. 21 - 27

Visit our Clothing Department

If you haven't been to Ely yet, you'll discover a true hidden gem. Well it isn't really a secrete, people come from all over the Northland all year round to shop our clothing departments. When you arrive for a visit or a canoe trip you'll be surprised at the extensive fashion and functional choices we have for Women and Men.

We've got some clearance deals on a few Seliga Wood Canvas canoes.

Give the Boathouse crew a call:

1-800-223-6565