What time of year is best for a Boundary Waters overnight canoe trip?

We get asked this question frequently.  To answer this question, we ask a few questions – what is most important during the BWCAW trip experience?  Is it the best fishing?  The warmest water for swimming?  The fewest bugs?  The fewest people?  You need to pick your time of year depending on your group’s interests.

Below is a compilation of a few interests and what to expect during the months to help with your selection of which month to experience a BWCAW canoe trip.

MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
WEATHER Highs in 60’s Lows in 40’s Highs in 70’s Lows in 50’s Highs in 80’s Lows in 60’s Highs in 80’s Lows in 60’s Highs in 60’s Lows in 40’s
RAINFALL 2.87″ 4.19″ 3.72″ 3.84″ 3.63″
FISHING Great Fishing! Fish can be caught in shallow water Top water fishing can be amazing Warm weather drives the fish deeper Fishing is good early morning and evening Fish start coming back to the shallows
VEGETATION & WILDLIFE Birds and animals return Wildflowers are in full bloom.  Moose are active Blueberries & raspberries are ripe Berries can still be found if we had rain The colors are changing
BUGS Usually no bugs The first 2 weeks of warm up the bugs are bad Bugs are fewer, but typically still dawn & dusk Bugs are gone during the day No bugs!
SWIMMING The water is still really cold The water is warming up enough to jump in After a day of paddling – go for a swim The water continues to be warm Typically you need to be brave to take a swim
CROWDS Fishing opener might be busy, but rest of month is quiet School is out, families & groups are arriving Busy season First few weeks are busy The crowds are typically gone
•   Moose Track Adventures is a full service Boundary Waters Outfitter in Ely, MN.   •

BWCA Guided Fishing Trips with Experienced Guides who possess vast knowledge will give you a new insight into this beautiful land.


If you want a skilled local guide to help you change the odds and add some excitement, Moose Track Adventures will do everything we can to accommodate your requests. One of our five seasoned guides can take you out on a lake trip you are sure to never forget, our vast Boundary Waters and Quetico knowledge and experience will give you a new insight into this beautiful land.

Ely, MN, USA Book your adventure now