It was quite a surprise awaking to a white snow covered landscape this morning on the Gunflint Trail. The weather forecast called for freezing rain and possible snow flurries but I was not expecting to see an inch of snow accumulation overnight in the middle of May.
Opening day of the Minnesota fishing season was calm and warm for those anglers fortunate enough to get out on the water before the ensuing cold front hit that evening. Overnight temperatures are dipping below freezing and the daytime highs are only reaching the mid-30s, but that is all supposed to change real soon.
I have not been fishing yet since I will be busy finishing some projects (Honey-dolist) before the black flies start biting. There is a very short window between too cold and too buggy that is ideal for getting outdoor projects finished and that is more important to me right now than fishing.
Dressing up the backyard for our kids to use is at the top of my list this week, and while assembling playground equipment I noticed a raven picking through the tall grass at the edge of our lawn. Normally I would not pay much attention to a raven but a recent radio program on WTIP mentioned the amazing abilities of ravens and that we should pay more attention to them, so I did.
The raven continued rummaging through the grass and as I was about to say “not impressed,” the giant black bird jumped into flight with a golf ball in its mouth. It flew effortlessly into the distance carrying a bright white golf ball in its narrow beak. I am not sure why it wanted the ball, but regardless I was impressed.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released information about 2014 walleye stamp sales that I found interesting. The optional walleye stamp is offered for an additional $5 to help support walleye stocking efforts in the state of Minnesota—for another 75 cents you can get the actual stamp. In 2014 anglers purchased 19,467 stamps that generated enough money to purchase 5,000 pounds of fingerling walleyes that were released in 1,300 Minnesota lakes.
If not for stocking walleyes, they would only be found naturally in the major rivers and lakes in the northern half of the state. Walleye stamps can be purchased at any time on the DNR web site even if you have already purchased your fishing license this year. The stamp is a great way to help support a sustainable fishery for the future.
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
Leave a Reply