We could not have asked for a prettier day for a Trout Derby last weekend. The fishing was not as hot as the weather, but it was a lot of fun to see so many people on the lake. I ran down to the east end hoping to find a fish that had not seen so many baits dangling, but no such luck. Rachelle and I were able to spend some quality time together in my new portable ice house. I am sure it does not compare to some of the ice houses on the lake that day, like say the 28-foot ice castle, but it works for now.
Therest of the day I spent exploring snowmobile trails on the Canadian side of Gunflint Lake. Some downed trees needed clearing, but luckily I was traveling with very well prepared friends who chopped them up with a chainsaw. It was cool to see some untouched snow especially since we really do not have a lot to work with right now. The trails are still very much usable, but a little bumpy.
Theeelpout will be spawning soon and are as active as they get all year long. I know a lot of you are not going to get very excited but the action is a lot of fun. Theearly evening bite is the best, but they usually cooperate all night long. I have heard reports of 20 fish caught in a single night. They seem to like depths of anywhere from 40 up to 15 feet and they will eat any piece of meat on the bottom. Theydo not chase baits like a trout, but like things sitting pretty still and close to the bottom.
I have been told that the trails in Grand Portage are in very good shape right now, but I have not had the time to ride them personally. The winter feels like it is already winding down, but it is just the beginning of March. If the past two winters are any sign, we could still be getting a lot of snow.
A friend of mine flew up to the Gunflint Pines this weekend in a Piper and unfortunately I was unable to go for a ride due to prior engagements. He flew over the Mile-of-Pine Road and found one of the packs of wolves that have been working the area lately. There were six of them bedded down by a bluff above the road. I am pretty sure they are the same ones that have been stalking around our house searching for deer. Their tracks are easily found anywhere in between Loon and Gunflint.
Thebright moon has had them howling every night. I have grown to enjoy their melodies, but it makes the hair stand up on the back of Rachelle’s neck when she hears them. I remind her sometimes that we are living in their woods, but she is mostly worried about our dog Maggie.
Maggie only stands about eight inches off the ground, but has attitude that would rival most big dogs. I am pretty sure she would try to take on any animal that entered the property. I credited her with taking down a moose, but she only barked at it on the Gunflint Trail, causing it to fall down on the icy pavement. Once we realized the moose was fine, we laughed like children.
Cory Christianson, a 2000
graduate of the University of
Iowa, has worked as a fishing
guide on the Gunflint Trail
for nine years. If you have any
fishing reports or stories to
share, send an email to: christiansoncory@
hotmail.com or
call 218-388-0315.
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