The leaves are just starting to show some real color up the Trail. I have not been able to fish nearly as much as I am accustomed to lately and it is starting to wear on me. That will change this week however and not a moment too soon.
To make matters worse, I have been working on Saganaga Lake in one of the new cabins and have been forced to watch all of the boats cruising up and down the lake all day. Pure torture!
Enough of my complaining, the prettiest time of the year is right around the corner and fishing will get as good as it gets all year. Fish of all species are reaching their largest sizes, trying to add poundage for the winter. The electric trolling motors can usually come off the boat and be replaced with the wave whackers.
A good set of splashguards can make the difference. If you have a smaller boat and you like to fish this time of the year, they are essential for safety and comfort. There are few things worse than kissing a cold wave that breaks the stern while back trolling for fish in the wind. This fishing season produced so much wind that I have had mine on since spring.
Fish will go very deep and hovering over them is essential for getting the most bites. If you cannot sit still in the wind and take the waves right into the stern, you will have a hard time maintaining contact with the bottom. There are some deep water trolling methods that can produce fish, but not as effectively.
This is a great time of the year to try for a big northern, especially if you do like to troll. Large baits like a Believer or a Big Jake work well and dive down to 20 feet with 15-pound Fireline. They like to hang off really steep reefs with deepwater access on at least one side. Deep points are usually key and you can make many passes over the same spot. These fresh water barracuda can be annoyed into a bite with some persistence. “Hawg” walleyes have been known to fall for these same baits so it can be a lot of fun to try. You can also just fish a lindy rig with a big sucker minnow. Always use a wire leader, especially with those expensive crank baits.
I have been seeing a lot of grouse sign lately which should excite you bird hunters. Thepopulation seems very good and many have been heard drumming. Some have been spotted running across the road, but I am not telling you where. It is nice to wait for the leaves to fall. I do not like to bushwhack any more than necessary. I get my fair share of hiking through the woods trying to catch minnows. I would rather have some “fin and feather” days later in the fall.
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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