ThisSunday, February 28, the Trout Derby hosted by the Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club will be held on Gunflint Lake. The actual contest goes from 9:00 – 12:00 and there is a raffle for all the members who show up. I am told that everyone usually wins a prize and it is a really good time. Thebiggest trout caught during this three-hour event wins the grand prize. I am told there will be some really nice icehouses brought up and that there is a pretty good turnout expected this year.
Gunflint is in great shape so far with very little slush and not too much snow. A few roads have been plowed from the public landing on the west end of the lake, making it a lot easier to drive onto the ice.
Loon and North lakes have a lot more snow, especially on the southern sides of the lakes. The trails are in pretty fair shape but a little snowfall this week would sure help.
If you are planning on fishing in the derby, there are plenty of good spots very close to the Gunflint Lodge. There is a big point straight out from the landing with a few icehouses on it and a nice reef towards Magnetic and even straight out in front of the lodge. These spots have had a lot of use this season, so they should be pretty easy to find.
My wife and I went on a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Okontoe with our family this week. Thenight was a perfect combination of moon and stars, lighting the trails as we rode through the woods. These enormous Belgian horses pulled us through the snow on a twisting and turning path bordering Bow Lake. You could tell they have done this route before. They know just when to gain momentum to climb the next hill. It was a lot of fun and a great way to spend time with the family. If you have never done this before, I highly suggest giving Okontoe a call and reserving a sleigh. They will be offering rides into March and they even warm you up with a cup of hot cocoa after the ride.
Be sure to look up all of the events coming this weekend with the Winter Tracks festival. There is something for everyone, and the Trail can always use the support.
Cory Christianson, a 2000
graduate of the University of
Iowa, has worked as a fishing
guide on the Gunflint Trail
for nine years. If you have any
fishing reports or stories to
share, send an email to: christiansoncory@
hotmail.com or
call 218-388-0315.
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