The heat of summer has finally arrived on the Gunflint Trail and we could not be enjoying it more. My wife and children have been swimming at the beach and soaking in the rays while I have been fishing hard every day from Poplar to Northern Light—and many lakes in—between.
The special limits on walleyes at the end of the trail have forced me to branch out in search of keeper-size fish for the customers, and so far it has been good. There is a nice population of 13-16 inch fish on Saganaga Lake but they are too small (legally) to keep. Those same fish will soon be within the keeping size in a couple of summers but until that happens I will continue to explore more lakes. Most of my clients are not looking for a limit of walleyes to take home, but a few for dinner are usually expected.
There have been a number of grouse drumming in the woods lately, even though they are done mating, and I am surprised at how many birds I have been seeing already this summer. While trekking back from Northern Light Lake I spotted what appeared to be a volleyball covered in feathers in the middle of the portage. I stopped about 10 feet away with my customers as she stared us down unwilling to budge. “Look how fat she is” someone said, as she lifted her wings and a dozen little chicks ran for their lives. They scrambled in all directions as the mother chirped at us. It was a memorable occasion and made a great bed-time story for my children.
Grouse populations are cyclical but many Gunflint Trail hunters believe that the cycle does not apply here. Winter conditions are more of a factor to grouse survival. Heavy snowfall hurts the population as does a lack of snow. If the snow is too heavy they have difficulty moving and become easy targets for the fox, and if the snow is too light they stand freezing without the added insulation that the snow provides them. Like many forest creatures they have to be tough enough to survive the harsh conditions they are dealt up here.
Summer happens fast, so cherish these sunny days and go explore the woods. The bugs have not been that bad and I am seeing a lot of blueberry and raspberry bushes flowering this week. An occasional lady’s slipper has been blossoming along the trails. Daisies and lupines are decorating the ditches in purple, white, and gold while the forest becomes thicker each day. It is a great time to visit the Trail.
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.
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