News from Williams & Hall Outfitters

In This Issue

As summer begins to drift into fall, it's time to start adjusting your fishing tactics. While the Canoe Country is world famous for its topwater smallmouth bass fishing, fall can bring on changes that can disappoint the "one trick" fisherman. Don't get me wrong, topwater fishing can still be great....at times, but the lake temperatures are on the downswing and as seasonal baitfish movements occur, smallmouth bass follow. Go ahead and throw some topwater lures, but don't beat the water to a froth if it's not happening. Start to look for deep water breaks and dropoffs that connect to the lakes' main basin. This means checking out that 10'-20' depth or even deeper. Smallmouth bass often wind up in compact schools in 30'-50' through the winter months. Deep crankbaits (as mentioned last week) and plastics, such as tube baits and heavier jigs (1/4 oz or more) with a Power Grub or Mister Twister fished in some of these deep water locations can be very effective. So, as the steam rises from the lakes, don't forget to check out some deep spots for those smallmouth the the Canoe Country is famous for...in the fall, too!

Williams and Hall Newsletter

What's Going On in the North Woods

This news letter is designed to help keep you current on the issues of the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park, to give keep you up to date on Williams and Hall Outfitters, and to share some of our knowledge and love of the outdoors and the wilderness around us. We hope you enjoy these articles and share them with your friends.

Quetico Park

When planning a trip into the Canoe Country, the first stop is to decide which of the two parks you are interested in visiting. These two parks, Quetico Provincial Park of Canada, and the BWCAW are two distinct parks that are adjacent to each other. There are many advantages to entering either park. It depends on what you are looking to accomplish or your objectives from your trip into Canoe Country. Following is information on Quetico Park. The best way to enter Quetico Park from our location is to travel 6 miles up Moose Lake to the Ranger Station at Prairie Portage.
From the ranger station there are five different entry points into the park. Only 15 parties are allowed into Quetico Park through this station. The entry points are Basswood River allowing 2 parties per day, Sarah with 2, Kahshahapiwi with 2, Agnes with 7, and Carp with 2. Permits are necessary for all overnight trips. If entering Canada remotely you will need an RABC(Remote Area Border Crossing Permit)
Quetico Provincial Park:
Covering over 4750 square kilometers and having only 2,200 backcountry (interior) campsites scattered on over 600 lakes, it's no wonder Quetico is considered a world class wilderness canoe camping destination. Canoeists can only enter Quetico Park via six ranger stations, of which, only two are accessible by road. No motors and no firearms are allowed.
Quetico has been in existence since 1913, although an actual road coming close to it wasn't built until 1954. The heart of Quetico has been protected from logging since 1943. While all logging within park boundaries stopped on May 13th 1971, stumps and other remnants of logging and mining history can still be found today.

Quetico Park Map

http://www.quietjourney.com/queticopark.html

http://www.cwcs.org/quetico.html

NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE

For the 2011 season we are starting a campaign to get families out of the house, away from the computer games, and out enjoying nature. In order to help you we are still offering our NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE package. This package includes all of the gear that your family will need for an excellent adventure into the Boundary Waters, lodging before your trip with a dinner and breakfast in our dining room, transportation to your entry point, routing and fishing information and tips. For every child that brings an adult, the adult will get 20% off complete outfitting rates. Each youth ages 10-18 will get 25% off the regular complete outfitting rates, and each youth 9 and under will go free.

PERMIT INFORMATION

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The lottery is over we can now reserve your permits directly. It is now $6 to reserve a Boundary Waters permit, and $16 per adult for a one time User Fee and $8 per adult. If you have reserved a permit on your own and would like to pick it up at Williams and Hall, just go to your reservation and change the issuing station from default to Williams and Hall and it will be here when you arrive.

Quetico Park

Permits are issued on a first come first served basis exactly 5 months to the day before your desired start day. This year the park will open May 20th, 2011.

Our Crew will be happy to help you obtain your permits at no extra cost to you. If you are going into Quetico Park, be prepared to have the names of all group members to list on your permit. Also a brief description of your tents and canoes (for search and rescue purposes) also to be listed on your permit. Update: as of last July, camping fees for entering at Prairie Portage are $21.50 for adults and $8.50 per youth (per night)

Thanks for taking the time to join us. We hope to be hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Blayne, Charlene & Dave
Williams & Hall Outfitters

PO Box 358 Ely, MN 55731
(800) 322-5837
canoe@williamsandhall.com

Canoe Trip Specialists
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness / Quetico Park Outfitter
Williams and Hall Wilderness Guides and Outfitters
Located on Moose Lake in Ely, Minnesota