On Saturday the winds kicked up on the lakes of the Gunflint Trail. For most of the day it blew strongly with gusts up to 45 miles per hour. The temperature was low and there were some snow fluries in the air. The result was that very few fishermen choose to get out on the lakes. Those who were out fishing said that the trout had stopped biting probably due to the cold weather.
By Sunday the wind had dropped. The sun came out and everything warmed up a bit. The fish, however, were still not cooperating. I saw a couple of 3-3 1/2 lb. lake trout that came in at Gunflint. They were caught by Paul O'Brien of Blaine, MN, and Gary Carlson of Minneapolis, MN. The men were fishing with Husky Jerks from the Rapala family of lures. Surprisingly when the fish were filleted, their stomachs were empty. Usually there is something to give you an idea of what the fish were feeding on. It does lead one to believe that the trout will soon be actively feeding again as the temperatures warm up.
Spring seems to be slowly coming along. Nancy Seaton at Hungry Jack Canoe Outfitters estimated that the wildflowers were about two weeks behind their regular schedule. Poplars, pincherry trees, and raspberries are all leafing out. The birch have a ways to go yet before they sprout some leaves. With all the poplars leafing out, there is a lime green "hazy" as you look at a stand of poplars from across the lake. This spring phenomenon only lasts for a few days until the leaves are fully out.
There was an unusual couple of birds on Gunflint Lake yesterday. They were an adult pair of trumpeter swans. These are new visitors to the Gunflint Trail. The only other place I have heard of them on the Trail is down the Granite River in 2007. With their tall straight necks, the birds look very regal.
For those of you thinking ahead to fall hunting, several people have commented about seeing a lot of partridge this spring. The birds have also been heard drumming. Last year we had a slow partridge season so maybe there will be more birds this year.