As I watch the snow falling from the kitchen window, I cannot help but wonder how long this season will last. It is a welcome sight that promises to keep us on the trails for a little while longer. Last year we were on the brink of open water, so I feel like we are now on borrowed time that needs to be taken advantage of.
Our children are finally able to get outside and play in the snow after being cooped up in the house all winter long–and it could not have come any sooner. While burning off some caged energy last week, our daughter Sophia jumped off of the couch and landed on my laptop computer.
The screen shattered into a spider web of colors and Sophia was more worried than hurt, but what can you do? Punish a 2-year-old for acting like a 2-year-old? It happens and ultimately it was our fault for using it on the floor. I told Rachelle that the kids will be breaking our stuff for the next 18 years so we might as well get used to it.
Rachelle and I took advantage of a rare opportunity to get out and blow off some pent-up cabin fever in the snow without kids. The babysitter agreed to a halfday so we decided to venture north of Gunflint Lake and travel up to Saganaga Lake. The maze of logging roads and trails leading north winds through burnt forests and over spectacular vistas. These logging roads are so wide and smooth that the ride is a pleasure. It was a great reminder of why we chose to live here.
The ride took about an hour to reach Rachelle’s cabin on Saganaga Lake from the public boat landing on Gunflint Lake. Next time we should ride up to Northern Light Resort for some french fries and gravy, eh? The route was well marked and I cannot wait to ride it again.
March is my favorite month to ice fish and so far it has not been great. The warmer days should start melting off the lake snow and giving the fish a little more light in the water. The added light and re-oxygenated water will eventually trigger fish to start feeding, especially the walleyes. River mouths like Hoof Creek on Northern Light Lake, Ontario will start to shine once the water starts flowing. The last few weeks of the season are traditionally the best, so get out there and enjoy it while you can. 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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