The last two snowstorms left us with a thick enough base of new snow to carry us through the remainder of the winter season. It had been awhile since our last significant storm, which threatened to shorten our season of winter activities by exposing the miles of ski and snowmobile trails that wind through Cook County’s wilderness.
March is just around the corner and shaping up to be a very busy month for us at the Skyport Lodge. Snowmobilers have been calling to make cabin and lodging reservations while asking about the current trail conditions. The Ridge Riders snowmobile club posts current trail reports on their web site as well as VisitCookCounty.com.
Sunday, March 4 marks the annual Trout Derby on Gunflint Lake hosted by the Ridge Riders. Registration for the tournament runs from 9 to 11 a.m. and the contest ends at 2 p.m. Cost is $20 for non-members and $10 for members and includes a BBQ lunch and raffle prizes. This event has always been a fun time and with a little luck I will be able to join the fun this year.
Anyone can fish the tournament, even if you do not bring a snowmobile since the club plows numerous roads on the lake for anglers to get around. Many anglers drive their vehicles on the ice, or simply park at the public landing or Gunflint Lodge and hike out to the lake where the club has a bonfire and BBQ going.
The forecast calls for snow showers Sunday, but otherwise it looks like a great day to try your luck at landing the tournament winning laker while supporting our local snowmobile club, see you there!
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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