Thx for the replies...very helpful and much appreciated...hope you all have a great 2010!

the mucky portage is only circumventable in certain water level conditions. Just plan on getting wet and muddy... you'll not be disapointed that way

Our group stayed on Mack for two nights in 2007 on an island in the northeastern bay (PCD site #22F) . The site was only so-so and I think that you could do better maybe. A lot of Mack was recovering from a fire, but I thought that the fishing was darn good. Some large smallies, 'eyes and pike were taken.

We also got out and walked around site #517, which we passed on since it was low-lying and buggy.

There is a trip report from our trip in the Current Conditions and Trip Reports forum if you are interested in seeing some pictures.

I went through there 4 years ago an my way to the bushwhackers jamboree. I put information in the portage database.
1Yes
When you get to the bottom of the hill make a 90 degree turn left.  Follow a small game trail running parallel to the steep hill for about 20 yds then look for a path off to the right which leads to the lake .

2 We found all the south end of the lake camp sights burned.  We found a nice but small campsite on one of the first islands we came to.  We found lots of garbage at the sight and there was a group on another sight that had several tents,  2 huge tarps up and were most likely base camping.   

Planning a 10 day loop next summer--Cache Bay, Mack, Kawnipi, Falls Chain.  Would like to get info on two specific items:

1.  The difficult 240-rod portage from Munro to Mack...is there any way around the mudpit/quagmire/bog the last 30 rods or so as you get near Mack?

2.  I've read that the southern shore of Mack was spared in the 1995 fire....does anyone know the locations of any decent campsites still on Mack.  I'd like to spend a layover day or two with my son given Mack's great fishing rep.

As always, thx for any info/advice.  Please feel free to PM if desired.