Quetico Portage 5112 (Bisk to Pickerel)

Typically rocky sections, but downhill and not too difficult. Water levels were normal so we probably could have stopped at the upstream put-in, but we went to the downstream option. I hate deep-water put-ins where I'm trying to step down into the canoe from a rock.

Water was running so fast and high that we elected not to use this portage due to the possible danger. The actual portage was completely covered in high running water! Would be fine later in summer or fall.

Flooding from the record-high water in May 2022 made this a "Recommended not to travel" portage. We walked it, and right now you'd be wading in three places to complete the portage. If you are reading this in normal water levels, this is not a daunting portage. If you are reading this when the floods are raging through the Pickerel outflow and the boom above the dam is broken...know that the portage is possibly passible, but only if you are willing to get the family jewels cold & wet.

For the landing at the south end, you have a choice between awkward deep water (my preference) or a rocky eddy at the foot of the rapids further upstream (also difficult). The northern landing is a gravel beach. The trail itself is dry, but rocky throughout, and more difficult than average. The eddy landing shortens the portage by about 100 m.

This one always seems longer than 400 m. Along the way there are some opportunities to put in to the river. In 2014, the current was too strong for this. There's lots of rocks and brush along the way.