This week could mark the end of another pleasant weather season on the Gunflint Trail. Most of the summer residents have turned south, like the loons, in search of warmer climates and I cannot say that I blame them. At times I am even a little bit jealous, especially when it is 40 below zero.
The overnight low temperatures for the week are going to drop into the 20s with frost warnings followed by daytime chilly showers. It does not sound very pleasant and there is still a lot of outside work to get finished before it is too late. By now, everyone who drains his or her cabin and sprinkler system for the winter should be done. We have not had any “deep freezes” yet, but I would expect that window is closing in on us soon.
I still have a couple of days of guiding on the books for this weekend, but they might be the last days that I guide this season. I plan to keep one boat operable until the very last minute, just in case the weather takes a turn for the better and I get a chance to play hooky a few more times.
I love fishing in the late fall but it needs to be somewhat pleasant with a light breeze and a little sunshine or else forget it. I’d much rather sit in a deer stand than a boat when it is miserable outside.
The few grouse hunters I know are having some success this season but they are seeing a lot of little birds this year. We watched a couple of grouse go through their mating dance at the End of the Trail Campground. Sophia and I were checking out the rapids and they were between the truck and us when we were returning to the road. I stopped her from stumbling down the path and scaring them away and we were able to watch them dance for a while. It is so cool to watch them flare up in courtship to impress their mate.
Rachelle does an excellent impression of a courting male grouse in full strut that everyone should ask to see. Who knows, it could turn into the next popular dance move. Or a new way to pick up a date with someone. It worked on me.
Winter is going to be here soon and my focus needs to be less on fishing and more on filling the wood shed with firewood. I cannot wait until the kids are old enough to do chores. Life seems like it should be a little simpler when they reach an age to start helping out around the house. I know parenting never gets any easier but I might be able to spend a little more time on the water and a little less time on the chainsaw. And that seems pretty good to me.
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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