Our highways are cut through natural forest and wild lands creating an inevitable clash of habitat for most of the creatures that live in the woods. Deer are constantly risking their lives to simply cross Highway 61 and for a few days each June the turtles take this same chance in order to fulfill their yearly duty of reproduction. Saganaga... READ MORE >
It would seem a little silly to complain about the bugs when you have chosen to live in the great North Woods, but I have to say the black flies have been downright ornery this week. No amount of bug spray would keep them from latching on to any exposed skin while they hover an inch from your eyelids—not the... READ MORE >
What a difference some rain can make. The entire county has turned green this week with trees beginning to show their leaves, and tall grass filling the ditches. Seasonal allergy sufferers, such as myself, enjoyed a wet week of reprieve from the tree pollens as the scattered storms decided to roll through each day. Spring rains are great for more... READ MORE >
The days are getting longer and the water temperatures are slowly climbing into a range that makes fish active. Soon there will be bug hatches happening below the surface as the sun warms the muddy lake bottoms, activating a chain of events known to anglers as the dreaded mayfly hatch, that often carries into June on Canadian shield lakes. I... READ MORE >
There has been some chatter about the recent influx of “wild” turkeys in Cook County, and they have now been seen as far north as the Gunflint Trail. These turkeys are the same breed used on game farms and have been raised and introduced to the county by private citizens. It could be another hunting opportunity if the turkey population... READ MORE >
The Minnesota walleye and trout opener is Saturday, May 13th, and I am going to spend the day on Saganaga Lake searching for trophy walleyes, and maybe a few to eat. Opening weekend is typically cold and wet in the North Country, which is why we are not the most popular destination for anglers. The water temperatures are going to... READ MORE >
Spring cleaning is never enjoyable, but it was at least comforting to know that the weather was too nasty to be working outside this week. I think it would have been difficult convincing our staff, and myself, to work inside had the sun been shining. It has been strange for me to see the lakes open, and not be preparing... READ MORE >
The remaining island of ice on Devil Track Lake fell victim to a stiff easterly wind this morning, and I suspect it was whittled away by the waves before reaching the western half of the lake. It is very exciting to see open water, despite the daily snow showers and chilly winds. Our month to relax, replenish, and re-focus is... READ MORE >
After spending two weeks in open water country, it was a little tough returning to ice-covered lakes around here. Devil Track has melted 20 feet from shore, but the remaining ice looks solid. If the rain continues to fall and the wind blows, the lake ice should be gone by next weeks’ deadline. The rain is vital this time of... READ MORE >
The Skyport Lodge and Raven Rock Grill are officially closed until May 1st and we are taking a much needed break from the action to vacation with our children. April is the month reserved for deep cleaning and repairs around the lodge, but we felt it was important to get out of town for a couple of weeks before the... READ MORE >
