Welcome Mallard -

June has historically been labeled "bug month" in canoe country and on a typical year all varieties of winged critters are at their peak.  That said, however, the title of your thread is appropriate ... its all about timing.  I've been on canoe trips in June where the bug population (even skeets) were minimal ... but I typically plan for them to be bad (e.g. treated clothing, head nets, plenty of deet, etc.)

Another issue not mentioned is your interest in fishing.  Assuming that might be an important point (since you are base camping), I suspect you might want to be on the water and ready to fish on the Saturday, 2 weeks prior to memorial day (historic opening day for Walleye in Minnesota).  So, a mid-to late-May might be your choice.  Certainly less bugs then, and fishing usually among the best of the year (all species will be relatively shallow that time of year).  The down side is you have to be prepared for some foul/cold weather.

dd

Thanks guys and yeah, I definitely plan on fishing.  Smallmouth and walleye are at the top of my list.  That being said, I don't need to catch a lot of fish to have a good time.  I'll enjoy just being there as long as I'm not being eaten alive or stuck in the tent for five days straight due to heavy rains.  Yeah, I know mother nature is unpredictable, just trying to up my odds a bit.

Thanks again for the input!  Keep it coming, as my mind is totally overwhelmed with all of the possibilities!  Lol!

I love June.  Treat your clothing beforehand with permethrin (mainly for ticks), take a headnet and some good spray with DEET, and if the bugs are bad, live with it.

June has a variety of weather, long days, misty cool mornings, and usually doesn't have 90-degree days to sweat in the sun.  The campsites in the BWCA are still fresh, and there are fewer people because many people are wimps about BUGS and stay away until July or August.   

June is the best time to go--although personally I like the second week of June better than the first.

Mad_Mat wrote on Sep 23^rd, 2013 at 12:49pm:



Was actually considering an island campsite, so that would help with the bugs and breeze as well.

Thanks everyone!  This really helps.  Think I'll shoot for the first week of June and just be prepared for worse case scenario as far as the bugs are concerned.

I have a very high tolerance for bugs.....except those in my tent. That being said I wouldn't be without this garment........it has served me well and is of extremely good quality. I often wear it when there are no bugs around.

My tripping pals have all purchased one and they use them out of necessity. One spring Algonquin trip I doubt we could of spent a week amongst the clouds of blackflies without one.

As per Westwoods suggestion of gloves I couldn't agree more......however I use fingerless fleece gloves instead of leather. The fleece is more comfortable and thick enough so the skeets can't bite through. Fingerless allows you the use of your hands to make breakfast PLUS I really like wearing them at night so my hands don't get cold. Occasionally a skeet finds your fingers but not to often. 

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