Trout Derby

 

It is getting to be that time of year again when winter events start happening on the Gunflint Trail. The annual Trout Derby sponsored by the local snowmobile club will be held Sunday, March 13 on Gunflint Lake. Last year there were not too many trout caught considering the number of anglers on the ice, but hopefully this year will be a little more productive.

If you have never attended the Trout Derby, it is a lot of fun, even if the fish are not cooperating. You must be a member of the Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club to participate and everyone stands a chance to win something cool. Do not worry if you are not a member yet, you can sign up at the event.

There is a big campfire on the ice to warm up at and food and beverages are provided as well. It is quite a sight to see so many people fishing on the lake. I always wonder what the trout are thinking when they get bombarded by so many baits dangling in the water.

Gunflint has had some decent fishing this year, and the morning bite seems to be the best so you will want to start on time.

I like fishing 40-50 feet of water but some of my friends have been doing just fine in water as shallow as 18 feet. Trout can be anywhere in the winter months so try it all. The water temperatures are much more uniform under the ice so they are not restricted to the deep colder water like they are in the summer. I have been fishing both ends of the lake, and the west end near the lodge has been just fine. There are a couple of good reefs right out in front of Gunflint Lodge and the infamous point straight north of the public boat landing has actually saved a few days for me this winter as well. The fish there average a little smaller but the action is worth it.

Due north of the point, in the direction of Cross River Lodge, is a giant mud flat that is always holding some scattered fish and worth a shot. If we get some warmer weather the smelt will start staging in this area, getting ready to use the river current in the spring. The trout follow them around and are programmed to the migration patterns of their favorite bait. I would be very surprised if the weather gets that nice but you never really know. Last year we were fishing out of our boats during the end of ice season in late March. Every year is different.

On Friday and Saturday of the same weekend the Mush For a Cure benefit will also be held. The pre-party at Trail Center is on Friday night and the noncompetitive race is on Saturday. This is a wonderful event that raises a lot of money for breast cancer prevention and it just keeps getting larger every year. It is really nice to be able to watch the start of the race in front of the Gunflint Pines, and there are a lot of vantage points to stop and see the dog teams come by. If you are thinking of having some fun up the Trail this would be the perfect weekend to participate in some of the cool events.

See you up here.

Cory Christianson, a graduate of the University of Iowa, has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218-388- 0315.