Saturday, January 13 marks the 2018 trout opener and a special weekend for kids under the age of 16 who would like to ice fish for free. Anyone over the age of 16 can take a kid under the age of 16 ice fishing without a Minnesota fishing license from Jan. 13-15. Check out the MN DNR website for more details.
Icehouses are showing up on local lakes as the highly anticipated 2018 trout opener approaches. Gunflint Lake has a solid 18 inches of ice between the public landing and the infamous “ice house point,” but I have not heard any ice reports from either Saganaga or Sea Gull lakes. The bigger Gunflint Trail lakes take longer to freeze over, but once they do the ice builds fast.
Gunflint Lake can be tough fishing in the winter, but an ice angler gets a longer season on a border lake since they allow ice houses to stay out longer than inland lakes. I have not decided where to put my house yet, but I know that if I do not get it out soon I might not get it out at all.
The trails have all been groomed, and we are looking at eight to 10 inches of snowfall before the big fishing opener – that will make the skiers and snowmobilers both happy. Not very many riders have been taking advantage of the mid-week advantages: less traffic on the freshly groomed trails, cheaper accommodations, and your choice of tables at most of the local restaurants. I know mid-week vacations are not always possible, but the advantages are enticing if you are able to get away.
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.
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