The Gunflint Trail has had perfect summer weather these past few days. Temperatures have been in the 80's. There has either been no wind or just a light breeze. Surprisingly with this weather, fishing has continued to be fairly good. Mike Prom of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters says his parties coming in from their canoe trips have been catching wallye, northern and bass. In the Quetico Provincial Park where no organic bait is allowed, Gulp Minnow Baits have proven to be particularly effective. Guide Curtis Blake from Seagull Creek Fishing Camp says the hot baits have been leeches, slip bobbers and Lindy rigs. The fish are moving onto the reefs. Meanwhile the lake trout continue to stay in depths of 45-60'. Curtis has been having particularly good luck going by canoe into some back lakes for fishing. Ted Young at Poplar Creek Bed and Breakfast says the smallmouth bass are biting well in Little Ollie Lake and the walleyes are hitting in Swamp Lake in the evenings.

If you are driving up the Trail, several people have reported seeing a cow moose and her calf around Trails End Campground and on the Sag Lake Trail (Cty. Rd. 11). Another mother moose with two calves is hanging around Rib Lake. I am also hearing more stories about sightings of partridge chicks all along the Trail.

With the warmer weather and mild winds, many people are taking off for a day canoe trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. One of the most popular trips along the Trail is the trip into Rose Lake. This trip starts by paddling across West Bearskin Lake to the Duncan Lake portage. After paddling across Duncan, you come to the top of Stairway Portage. Last fall the U. S. Forest Service re-did all 110 steps. Some groups choose to carry just one of their canoes over and paddle around a bit. They like to paddle to the middle of the lake and "enter" Canada. Others just enjoy a pleasant lunch by the falls. A leisurely trip into Rose Lake and back takes about six hours. When entering the BWCAW, don't forget that even day visitors need a permit (no cost or limit in the number of permits). Also you can't bring in cans or bottles.

In the mid-Trail area there are also two short hiking trails that are fun. The Caribou Rock Trail starts just across from the entrance to Hungry Jack Lodge on the Hungry Jack Road. On the Clearwater Road, you will find the Honeymoon Bluff Trail. Both of these trails offer great views after a bit of an uphill climbing.