Today is the day!  If you're out and about on the Gunflint Trail stop in anywhere you see a Garage sale sign.  Resort owners and residents alike are all having garage sales today!  We've got lamps, chairs, trinkets, fish mounts, reels, an underwater camera, baskets, etc!!!  Stop by.

Fishing Report

Gunflint Lake was been producing Lake Trout lately from all different depths.  With the early iceout the trout are scattered from the surface to 90ft already.  Guys that have been trolling, have been in 50-60 feet of water with downriggers or flat lines getting down around 40ft with mornings and evenings finding fish closer to the surface on flat lines. 

Walleyes have been tough.  Not because they have not been biting, more with the water levels being low on Gunflint and most of the border lakes,  the usual spots at the east end of the lake are just really tough to get into with low water. 

I personally haven’t been out much during the day yet.  Most of my fishing til now has been in the evenings from 8pm to midnight.  Ive been out five evening now, on Little North, Seagull and Saganaga Lakes with fish being caught on all three.  There is a real nice bite going on up on Saganaga right now.  I took the boys up yesterday and we boated a dozen walleyes and were home by 1030pm.  Lindy rigs along wind blown shorelines and trolling stick baits have been working the best. 

Northern fishing is starting to pick up also.  A lot of the bigger fish are becoming more active everyday with the water warming.  Loon Lake is producing the nicest fish and Sag for the numbers…. Casting spoons in the shallows is whats being done right now.

As for the Small Mouth bass, there has been signs of them making beds already.  Warm water is the key here…and they are starting.  I would say in two weeks from now the Smallies will biting strong.

Can’t catch fish, unless your fishing…..

Bob

     Yesterday we had fresh walleye for lunch!!  Bob and his brother Bruce went fishing at the start of the opener - Midnight!  but it's well worth it to have those cold clear water, fresh Walleye for a hot fry pan!!  The weather has been exceptionally great and looks to hold the trend for the upcoming week. 

      Here's the link to the weather forecast we use http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=48.07807894349862&lon=-90.7470703125&site=dlh&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text  in case you want to see more. NOAA.gov uses a point and click capability so you can see a detailed forecast for your specific area and it's always been pretty smack on for us.

       This past week we've been working hard on getting the online bookings for the Cabins up and running.   I'm still working out some of the kinks but it seems to be working.  I'm trying to figure out the package offerings online - so you may have to call if you see a special you want to book The good news is that you can at least use the availability calendar to see what we might have available before calling.

     While the weather has been pretty enjoyable the past month sometimes we don't know from day to day what to expect.  Most days have been sunny and warm, with what I consider a true spring day scattered here and there.  The weather was great for the Ham Run half Marathon - but we did have a dusting of snow just in time for the Gunflint Greenup.  (Nothing a little sunshine didn't melt by mid day.) 

     We've been busy working around camp. Bob has the docks in and is working on the pontoon and boats today.  He's been spending time around camp with the brush king trying to keep the grass and woods from taking over - I was able to pull a bunch of the fencing from around trees and let him clear the growth away.  Some of the trees we have planted over the years are finally taking off.  It's disappointing to find the ones that have been broken off or winter burned.

     Another bit of good news is we replaced the floor in the Lakehome Bathroom.  There is now a wonderful tile floor and new toilet and counter for the sink.  Many of you know I've been trying to work on a new website - thanks for the pictures some of you have sent!  While I've gotten quite a bit done and have little doubt that I will finally get it up and running this month, a few things have gotten in the way.  One of my most recent "side tracks" has been getting an online booking engine up and running.  As of today it is functional - but I do not have all of the kinks worked out yet.  Tomorrow it's back to the web site building - unless I get side tracked again. ( I will admit it's getting easier as I have been working with all of the programs more).

     Believe it or not Bob is parting with some of his moose antlers!!!  He is making and donating a Moose Antler Chandler for the Chikwauk Museum and Nature center that will be opening in July this year!  We (Gunflint Trail Residents) are so excited to see this finally come to life.  It's been in the works for several years now.  For more information please visit www.chikwauk.com.

       I'm beginning to see an increase in returning guests.  Ones who may have taken a break - tried somewhere new, taken a few years off from our "wind and fire" devastation ridden wilderness.  It's always fun to recoginze a name and even more fun when you are suprised that I remembered you.  I will admit I remember names more than faces but I'm working on it.  I can't believe how many people have told me that they asked their children where they wanted to go for and we are their choice.  It gives me renewed faith that our wilderness will not be lost when I'm in my late(er) years. 

     I've been much better about posting on facebook than my own blog - but I find it easier and so many people are friends and write back - it's much funner!  - So find us on Facebook if you have an account. Gunflint Pines Resort

Shari

Many people do not seem to remember that Border lakes have slightly different regulations.  This year's early ice off and wonderfully warm weather gave this fisherman  an early season bonus.  Ryan of Duluth took this nice 26 inch Northern  yesterday. 

Today is the start of the 3rd annual Ham Run Half Marathon.  The race starts here (literally), in the Campground and runs to the end of the Gunflint Trail.  It is a certified half marathon and is gaining interest.  This year 189 runners will be joining us.  There is also a 5K for those beginning their running "careers" or wanting to participate at a slightly lesser level.

Gunflint Green-Up is next weekend along with Mother's day.  We still have cabins open and the camping has been great!  Join us. 800-533-5814