TUSCARORA, LITTLE SAG, GILLIS
BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE ROUTE – TUSCARORA, LITTLE SAG, GILLS
BWCAW Entry Point 51 Missing Link, Entry Point 52 Brandt
Minimum Trip Length 4 Days
BWCA Maps Needed:
- Fisher Maps: F-32
- McKenzie Maps: 7
- Voyageur Maps: 6
Route Description: This route is a favorite among fisherman and wildlife enthusisasts alike! This loop can be done in either direction with either a Brant Lake permit or a Missing Link permit. We typically prefer starting at Brant Lake and saving the nearly 400 rod Tuscarora portage for the end of our trip when we have light food packs. Little Saganaga, Gillis, Gabi, and Tuscarora all provide excellent fishing opportunities for Lake Trout and Pike. There are some incredible campsites on this route and those who enjoy basecamping might opt to add a few days to their itinerary to take day trips to Agamok Falls or the beautiful Makwa Lake.
| Lake | DNR # | Fish Species | Maximum Depth | Acres | Elevation | Campsites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscarora | 16062300 | Lake Trout, Northern Pike | 130 | 833 | 1730 | 10 |
| Owl | 16072600 | Lake Trout | 70 | 81 | 1675 | 0 |
| Crooked | 16072300 | Lake Trout, Northern Pike | 66 | 233 | 1637 | 6 |
| Tarry | 16073100 | Lake Trout | 53 | 44 | 1615 | 0 |
| Mora | 16073200 | Northern Pike | 40 | 205 | 1614 | 3 |
| Little Sag | 15080900 | Lake Trout, Northern Pike | 150 | 1627.27 | 1594 | 24 |
| Virgin | 16071900 | none | 40 | 56 | 1656 | 1 |
| West Fern | 16071800 | Lake Trout | 60 | 75 | 1684 | 2 |
| Powell | 1605600 | Lake Trout | 75 | 51 | 1687 | 2 |
| French | 16075500 | Lake Trout | 130 | 112 | 1659 | 2 |
| Gillis | 16075300 | Lake Trout, Northern Pike | 180 | 570 | 1651 | 7 |
Portages:
| Portages out of Tuscarora | Portages out of Owl | Portages out of Crooked | Portages out of Tarry |
|---|---|---|---|
| -NE 428 rod to Missing Link -E 255 rod to Howl Swamp -S 30 rod to Thelma -W 63 rod to Owl | -E 63 rod to Tuscarora -W 55 rod to Crooked | -E 55 rod to Owl -N 90 rod to Gillis -S 50 rod to Tarry | -N 50 rod to Crooked -S 10 rod to Mora |
| Portages out of Mora | Portages out of Virgin | Portages out of West Fern | Portages out of Powell |
|---|---|---|---|
| -S 100 rod to Whipped -N 10 rod to Tarry | -S 90 rod to Little Saganaga -N 80 rod to Peter -E 30 rod to West Fern | -E 20 rod to Powell -W 30 rod to Virgin | -E 33 rod to French -W 20 rod to West Fern |
| Portages out of French | Portages out of Gillis | Portages out of Little Saganaga | |
|---|---|---|---|
| –W 33 rod to Powell -W 130 rod to Peter -N 27 rod to Seahorse -S 13 rod to Fern -SE 25 rod to Gillis | S 90 rod to Crooked -NE 25 rod to Bat -NW 25 rod to Fern | NW 31 rod to Elm -N 90 rod to Virgin -N 30 rod to Rattle -W 18 rod to Virgin -W 19 rod to Elton |