Ice fishing

 

The initial spike in winter tourism that came with the big snowstorms in January set the pace for an incredibly busy winter. As we enter March, which is traditionally the busiest month of winter, I struggle to find enough time to enjoy some of the winter sports that I enjoy before it is all over, especially ice fishing.

The trout derby, hosted by the Ridge Riders snowmobile club, was on West Bearskin this year and I was able to attend with my two kids and one of their friends. The kids had a great time riding their mini-snowmobile around the plowed ice road, while I enjoyed brief moments of fishing in-between helping them.

A bone-chilling wind kept most people inside of their tents or close to the bonfire until it was time to weigh in, but everyone had a great time. There were not many fish caught, but the average size lake trout caught was bigger than we are used to seeing in years past on Gunflint Lake.

It has been a long time since the trout derby was hosted on West Bearskin, and this year it was held there due to the lack of slush in comparison to Gunflint Lake. Last time I mentioned enjoying the tournament on West Bearskin in my article, I was forced to defend my opinion by a disgruntled homeowner who felt the tournament should not be held on his lake.

So, before anyone decides to verbally abuse me with a letter to the editor please know that the tournament only harvested around 10 fish and there were no signs of anyone defecating on the islands. It was a well-organized and clean event that left only some plowed roads behind.

March is my favorite month to ice fish. The days are slightly longer and warmer, and the lakes become re-energized as the melting snow provides nourishment from the fresh runoff. Smelt begin staging outside river mouths to prepare for their early season spawn making it easier to find the predatory fish that I like to catch—walleye and lake trout.

Don’t forget to renew your fishing licenses that expired last week and maybe I will see you out there!

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. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.