If you were lucky enough to be on the Gunflint Trail this past weekend you already know how spectacular the weather was. Monday was a little misty and cold, but the rest of the week is supposed to be dry and warm which presents a perfect opportunity to get outside and embrace what could be the end of another wonderful fall in the Great Northwoods.
The tamarack trees are turning gold while some larger aspens are still clutching on to their remaining leaves for a few more days it seems. Saganaga Lake is quite amazing in the fall season. Mossy shades of green contrast with the remaining yellow leaves to create a completely different looking lake. It is awfully hard to stay focused on seasonal chores like cutting firewood when the sun shines in late October. I would much rather be taking advantage of these warm days with a fishing pole in my hand than a chainsaw, but it would be nice to get the wood cut and stacked before the deer hunting season.
Walleyes were still biting great on Saganaga Lake, the few times I had been out wetting a line this week, and if the weather forecast is actually correct I might have to “play hooky” a few more times. I still have a couple of days booked for guided fishing on Saganaga Lake this weekend, so dropping the saw for a few hours could actually be justified as “research”
The Saganaga Lake walleyes have been descending a little more each day and are currently loitering in the 35 – 45 foot range on the deeper rock piles that have been traditionally good each fall. They must sense that winter is approaching and have been packing their bellies tight with little smelt and herring in order to add some calories before the water gets really cold.
I look at the laborious effort spent to catch a fish in January and it becomes even harder to pass up fishing some of the worst days in October. The open water season is not over yet, but the end is not far away. Soon I will have to flip the boats at the Northern Light Lake portage and bring home the outboard motors and gear for winter storage.
This might sound like hard work but it is a little more enjoyable knowing that I will have to check a few spots before bringing everything back. There is some very good fishing available this time of year within a few miles of the portage although venturing too far away this time of year can be risky. A simple motor problem can become a pretty big deal when the only option is to paddle home. There just aren’t many other people around these days (which amazes me) to assist if things go south and paddling a 16-foot fishing boat home is not fun—keep it safe.
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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