As the sun dips below the trees casting a frigid shadow over our fishing spot, I decided it was time to muster enough strength to break down the camp and begin our journey home. The worst part of ice fishing on cold and windy days is setting up and tearing down the massive amount of equipment required to comfortably fish.
Some days the sun shines and the wind subsides enough to enjoy the elements and all of the beauty a white winter on the Gunflint Trail has to offer. Take away the subzero temperatures, 20 mph winds, and slushy lakes… and this is an amazingly pristine place that inspires awe.
I pulled over to gaze at Wampus Lake along the Clearwater Road a few nights ago, amazed by the breathtaking reflection across the frozen lake. The ripples of drifted snow covering the lake glistened like waves lapping in the silvery reflection of the giant moon, reminiscent of a warm summer night.
Full moon phases are certainly beautiful to see, but they are also considered by many anglers to be the best days for targeting big fish and this week I would have to agree with that theory. While guiding a couple of honeymooners staying at Gunflint Lodge we managed to land a 34-inch laker that went 18 pounds. It was the first fish of the day caught by the bride, Heather, and gave an epic battle before her husband Craig pulled its enormous head through the hole.
I thought the fish would have gone 20 pounds when I first held it up for some photos, but the scale proved me wrong. Regardless, it was a beautiful fish that will be a lasting memory for the young couple. It was the biggest fish I have seen come through the ice on an inland lake, and now I can tell my customers with a little more conviction that a pig lake trout is swimming around these waters.
The big trout ate a chartreuse colored “chubby darter” in 55 feet of water while lady luck was reeling in her bait. She thinks it hit her bait midway-up, and she never saw it on the depth-finder. The difference between a good fishing guide and a good angler is that a guide would rather see someone else catch a trophy. My job is to make great memories.
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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