You would never guess that the weather would be as nice as it has been this past week, and hopefully you were able to enjoy it as much as we did. It seems strange to be winterizing cabins on 70 degree days but that is what you get when you live in northern Minnesota.
That is why they say if you do not like the weather up here, wait a few minutes and it will change.
The leaves were at their peak this past week and it seems like as soon as they change color, they fall off of the tree. If you have not had a chance to get up the Trail and see them, you had better hurry since they will not be here for much longer. The tamarack trees have just started turning gold and they are the last trees to change colors. Before you know it, we will be into the gray month of November when the only tourists left will be toting deer rifles around in search of that trophy buck.
The number of grouse I have seen this year has been incredible, especially since there is still a lot of foliage left in the woods. We work outside a lot and I see at least a half dozen of those tasty little chickens every day. Luckily, my father-in-law gives us a few for dinner each year so I do not have to actually hunt them myself. I would like to hunt, but who has the time?
Maybe when I am retired, if that word even exists in 30 years. My last day of work will probably be the day they put me into the ground.
My dad used to joke and ask me, “What do fishing guides do when they retire?”
I told him that I would sit in an office and stare at a cubicle wall.
On a brighter note, the fishing on Saganaga has been a lot of fun. The mornings are pretty slow but as soon as the day warms up the fishing does too. We caught a dozen walleyes and released one hawg on Saturday with a lot of bonus northern and smallies as well. Even a couple of unexpected whitefish to make for a very enjoyable afternoon.
Our best spot was one that I had never fished before. I wrote a couple of weeks ago about looking for new spots and how much better the fish will bite since they have not been harassed by multiple anglers all season, and it is absolutely worth the extra time searching. I love that you can guide on a lake for 15 years and still find new spots.
The jig heads that we traditionally like to use in the fall have not been producing many bites and I think it is due to fishing pressure. Lindy Rigs or live bait rigs have been far out-producing the jigs and they simply present the bait in a more natural manner. Plus, it is very easy for the novice angler since they just have to hold the rod still and wait for the bite.
I am not the only one who has noticed the advantage of the rigs this fall. My friends Curtis Blake and John Schei have discovered the exact same thing. I prefer jigs when they are working because I like to keep the baits in constant motion but you cannot argue with success. I prefer whatever is getting the most bites and that can change every day, or even within a day.
Many of the walleyes we caught this week are as deep as 50 feet so staying vertical is the key. If the boat is in motion, the baits are not in the strike zone. Every angler should be constantly checking the bottom and then reeling up about one turn of the reel. You should be able to drop your rod tip to the surface of the water and see your line go slack. One foot off of the bottom is where you want your minnow to be.
Good luck!
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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