Summer is almost a memory as families retreat to the great north woods for one last vacation before the school bell rings. The weather has been fantastic this week with warm sunny days and cool starry nights for visitors to enjoy while telling stories while roasting marshmallows around a campfire. Soon the leaves will change colors marking the “beginning of... READ MORE >
The “big moon” evenings have been spectacular this week, illuminating the forest while the night animals prowl. Summer will soon be a memory as we inch into my favorite season. Cold nights and hot days are normal fare for August on the Gunflint Trail, and perfect camping weather. Judging by the lack of BWCA permits, I am not the only... READ MORE >
What a spectacular view an eagle has while soaring high above, or perched in its favorite tall tree. The Superior National Forest is teeming with bald eagles during the summer months, standing vigil with a watchful eye over tourists paddling the BWCA while scanning the forest floor for an easy meal. There are many eagles’ nests scattered throughout Saganaga and... READ MORE >
If you are not in the mood to read about fishing, you might want to stop here since that is all I have done for a few weeks. Saganaga and Northern Light lake have both been giving up little walleyes, but only one side of the border allows anglers to keep them under 17 inches. Thanks, Canada! Fish of all... READ MORE >
The “dog days” of summer angling have put a slump on the action, and an appreciation for the shade. It is air conditioning week on the Gunflint Trail with temperatures in the mid 90s and not a cloud in the sky, nor a ripple on the water. These are days I would prefer a golf club to a fishing pole.... READ MORE >
Every summer, typically in late July, the wild blueberries and raspberries begin to ripen for the picking in many areas along the Gunflint Trail. The lush northwoods are riddled with patches of blue and red, tucked away amongst the deadfall and scrubby brush. All that is required to harvest nature’s sweet treats? A sense of adventure, a pail, and enough... READ MORE >
An obvious bonus to being a fishing guide, is the amount of exposure we are allowed to experience on the lakes and oceans that we guide on. A deep connection to the woods, and the wildlife that resides there, is made each day as we witness their habits, during every type of weather. This bond is what makes us experts... READ MORE >
The Fourth of July has become a nice time for me to take a few days’ vacation from guiding while celebrating our nation’s independence with my family at our Saganaga Lake cabin. Heading to Canada for the holiday might not seem very patriotic, but we celebrate the same way we would in the states (with bratwurst and sparklers) and besides,... READ MORE >
Despite waking to 50-degree mornings, and being chased off of the lake by a lightning storm, this week has been very pleasant. The sun came out after the storms passed, and I am excited to finally start wearing shorts again. Saganaga Lake is alive with campers enjoying the recent heat wave while swimming and splashing each other as they paddle... READ MORE >
A wild storm packed with lightning, rain, and high winds tore through the Gunflint Trail on Father’s Day. The wind brought down some trees while our power flickered on and off as the storm passed through the night. These intense storms are more common in the early weeks of summer, but this one erupted on the last day of spring.... READ MORE >
