The Gunflint Trail has taken a noticeable change in color this week as the aspen and birch are beginning to turn gold. Fall “color change” is a short-lived season that is nothing short of brilliant, and is responsible for inspiring artists of all media to visit this beautiful area.
Painters have been standing by easels in front of vivid landscapes, capturing the essence of autumn throughout the county in an effort to replicate, or interpret, the amazing scenery that surrounds us. We are blessed to live in such a place, and should never forget the importance of preserving it for the future generations to experience firsthand.
The fall colors are an obvious sign of seasonal change for the trees, but the wildlife is also preparing for the ensuing cold both above and below water. Squirrels and chipmunks have been working hard to fill their winter stashes with enough food to last the winter while predatory animals are feeding heavily to fatten up. Wolves are hunting anything that moves, and they have been leaving signage in the form of scat along their quest. The Loon Lake area, near our home, has traditionally been shared with a pack of wolves that use the snowmobile trail as their summer traveling and hunting grounds.
There have been numerous wolf sightings recently, including a lone wolf that was trotting along the Gunflint Trail early one morning, while Rachelle and Sophia were waiting for the school bus. They sense the changing seasons and are more actively scouting the area for their next meal of deer, snowshoe hare, or grouse.
Walleyes, pike, and bass are also “strapping on the feed bags” while packing on extra calories for the cold water season ahead. Their diet changes from bug hatches and insects in the spring and summer months to minnows which are more readily available and contain more calories.
Fall fishing is some of the best action and the fish are physically bigger. Soon the fish will descend even further into depths ranging from 40 to 50 feet of water where they will spend the remainder of the winter. Whether you prefer a fishing pole or a paintbrush in your hand, there is something for everyone willing to venture north during the color change in search of inspiration, but make it soon because the season will be gone before you know it.
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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