The Gunflint Trail has had some rain and cooler weather the last week or so. Things were dry and dusty so we can't even complain about the rain. Word is that sunshine is coming for the weekend. It will be welcomed.
Fishing contines to have bright spots along the Trail. Jon Schei from Gunflint Lodge had the Bell party (Duluth, MN) out on Saganaga Lake the other day. They caught 12 walleyes up to 26" with crawlers. The fish were in 10-13 feet of water. The party then went on to catch 8 lake trout with six of them being in the 6 lb. range on crank baits. The trout were in 40-55 feet of water. Shari Baker of Gunflint Pines reports that smallmouth bass are still biting well in shallow water with bobbers or casting.
Tom Caldwell from Loon Lake Lodge had a great fishing story to tell. Harold and Matt Becker (Elmhurst, IL) are staying at the lodge to celebrate the son's 47th birthday. They spent one day fishing on Loon Lake. During that day they caught a 39" northern, 6 18" walleyes and 2 14" smallmouth bass. It is great to hear of a father and son taking a fishing trip together and the successful day was just the icing on the cake.
Sue Arhendt of Tuscarora Lodge reminded me of an upcoming event on the Trail. If you are going to be here on July 13th, you might want to consider visiting the Chik-Wauk Museum on Moose Pond Road. The Heart of the Continent Partnership is working with the Gunflint Trail Asscoiation and the Gunflint Trail Historical Society to welcome canoers participating in the Canoe the Heart of the Continent. These canoers are taking 18 days to paddle 350 miles along the boarder. The event is to help mark the 100th anniversary of both the Superior National Forest and the Quetico Provincial Park. Activities start around 11:00 a.m. with a shore lunch fish fry being served at 12:00 to 1:00. Throughout the day there will be talks, slide shows, children's games, etc. There will be something for everyone in the family to do. The Heart of the Continent Partnership's goal is to preserve the heritage of the border lakes region.
All the Gunflint Trail lakes are welcoming summer residents. After being quiet for so many months, it is good to see the population burst with those we only get to see in the summer.