Caught somewhere in Cook County, Tim Dillon proudly holds up this 29-inch walleye before releasing it back to the water from which he pulled it from. Photo courtesy of Tim Dillon
Fishing is a simple, yet humbling sport. Even the greatest angler gets skunked at times, and as far as the big one getting away? Happens to all of us.
But did you know that as simple as the industry is, the annual fishing expenditures in the United States totals $46 billion? And that fishing tackle accounts for $7.4 billion in retail sales each year?
It seems like a lot to spend to catch fish, but then the catching is just part of the experience. The pursuit of fish and finding that new “secret” hole is what keeps many of us coming back time after time. That and being outdoors surrounded by nature fills in the experience quite nicely, catching or not catching fish sometimes being secondary.
Now for the local fishing report:
Tyson at the Beaver House said fishing is hot right now.
“The bass and walleye bite are on with numbers of good catches being reported. People are using poppers, plugs, surface lures, jigs, swim baits, spoons, spinners, and Beaver flicks to catch fish.
A bobber and minnow, leech or night crawler also works well for catching walleye or bass.”
“Best lakes to try are Ball Club, Devil Track, Two Island, Elbow, Saganaga, and Sea Gull.”
Local streams are giving up nice catches of brook trout, said Tyson. “Fly fishermen have been doing well catching brook trout. Otherwise, spinners hooked with night crawler or a worm work well to catch those little beauties.”
Brook trout can be found in most rivers or small streams in the county, but here are a few creeks to try for brook trout: Elbow, Kadunce, Kimball, Cascade, Devil Track or Junco.
Limits of rainbow and splake are also being taken from designated trout lakes, said Tyson. Try Mink, Trout Lake and Leo Lake for rainbow.
“Reefer lake trout are being caught right here in and next to the Grand Marais harbor,” said Tyson. “Anglers are catching them off of Artist Point or on the other side of the harbor off the shore near the dog pound.”
Tyson suggested using Little Cleos, Castmasters, KO Wobblers, or Beaverflicks to catch the trout hanging around the harbor.
Here’s to a good day of fishing!
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