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In This Issue
LAKE ONE UPDATE
THE FISHING CORNER
SPRING? HOW ABOUT SUMMER?
"NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE"
IMPORTANT LINKS AND UPDATES
Lake One Chain Campsite Update
The 2012 canoe season is quickly approaching and many of you who go,  or are considering going into the Lake One area are probably wondering what the status of portages and campsites is. Because of the ratio of usable to unusable campsites, the US Forest Service has reduced the daily permit quota by four from 18 to 14 per day. They added back in, however, two permits that still allow a group to start at Lake One, but require you to camp beyond Hudson Lake. The 30F permit is ideal for those who plan to travel aggressively on their first or last day.

For a printable map of portage and campsite closures in the Lake One to Insula Lake area, follow the link below:

 

THE FISHING CORNER
SO YOU WANT TO CATCH A BIG NORTHERN PIKE
Big Pike
Often slandered (hammer handle, slimer, snake),
frequently disrespected, there is one thing that's for sure. A truly "Trophy" northern pike, in my opinion, one in excess of 20 lbs., is one of the most elusive and challenging fish to catch in the Canoe Country. Finding one is tough enough but add to that the thought of bringing a 45" long fish into a 36" wide canoe will make the faint of heart think twice!

For those of you who "fear no fish", here's the story. There are many big pike caught each season and because there's no justice in fishing, many are caught accidentally, on jigs or small lures by folks expecting anything but a giant pike. If you're looking to really do battle however, you can up the odds by offering something a big old pike can really get her teeth around. Now's when I do my "180". For all the times I've tried to get folks to downsize for a canoe trip, this is the time to beef up...within reason. Arm yourself with a
rod and reel setup that is capable of casting and trolling a big lure. 14 or 17 lb. test fishing line is plenty heavy enough. Then pick a couple of bigger lures. Two of my favorite lures for this purpose are a 6" Bucher Shallow Raider and a 6" or 8" Storm Kickin' Minnow. You don't need one of those giant muskie lures as they are very difficult to fish out of a canoe.
shallow raider
kickin minnow
Any time you can fish these lures over deep weeds or a weed edge near a drop off, either by trolling or casting, you bump the odds up in your favor.
Dumont pike
So, if you'd like to try tangling with a big pike, give us a call and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

Dave


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 Canoe Area and Quetico Provincial Park, to give you information 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.

 

 
Spring? How About Summer?

Country singer, Randy Travis famously sang "As long as old men sit and talk about the weather..."

Maybe this now officially qualifies me for the "old man" label but it has become difficult not to talk about it...you know...the weather.

Yes, it's still very dry but the big story right now is, of course, the summer temperatures we're currently experiencing. Over last weekend and into early last week we had highs in the mid 70's and lows that never dropped below 50 which is more common of mid-summer. We're still looking at possibly one of our earliest ice outs ever. While I admit we've been harping on this for some time, here's how this may potentially affect canoe trips (into early this summer) barring a big change in the current pattern.
snowshoe hare
We're not the only ones affected by the early snow melt...how 'bout loosing your camouflage?

First, there is a high likelihood of some form of fire restrictions so plan on using camp stoves. Campfires versus stoves can alter your menu plans too, so be ready to adjust meal choices accordingly if necessary. Next, for you fishermen, anticipate that the seasonal patterns for fish will be much earlier than normal. Smallmouth bass, for instance, which normally spawn in early June may be completely done by Memorial Day. Warmer spring water temperatures could drive the lake trout deeper than usual in May and early June. This can make a difference on the techniques you might use. The best advice I can give fishermen on this is to watch ice out dates and pay attention to our local Boundary Waters weather.

early iceout
March 21st, 2012!
Travel routes typical of spring and early summer will no doubt, be worth double checking as creeks and streams normally navigable, could be more challenging with low water. It is best to have route options in this case. At the risk of going out on a limb, I might even predict much lower mosquito activity this summer, (but don't leave the insect repellant off the list, if I miss on this one).

The bottom line here, is to be a little more flexible than usual in light of these issues.  So remember, when you get to Ely this year, don't be surprised if you run into some old man who might exclaim..."unusual weather we're having, isn't it?"

 

Dave

Remember...No Child Left Inside!
Kearney FamilyThis package was so popular that we are still offering it for the upcoming canoe season. We are continuing this campaign to get families out of the house, away from the computer games, and into the woods, enjoying nature.  In order to help you out, the "NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE" package is available again for the 2012 season! This package includes all of the gear that your family will need for an excellent adventure into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This package also includes lodging before your trip with dinner and breakfast in our dining room, transportation to your entry point, route/trip planning including maps, fishing information and valuable canoe trip advice and orientation.  For every child that brings an adult, the adult will get 20% off of this completely outfitted package.  Each youth ages 10-18 will get 25% off the package, and each youth 9 and under will receive the outfitting in this package for free! Kearney Boy

To take advantage of the "No Child Left Inside" special, contact Williams and Hall Outfitters Today! 

 

 (outfitting discount taken off of regular outfitting base rates

Important
Links and Updates

Quetico Park- The Ontario MNR has now made fishing licenses available on-line! To purchase Ontario fishing licenses you can click on the following link: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/2ColumnSubPage/STDPROD_091032.html/

Due to some technical issues, Ontario fishing licenses may not be available at Prairie Portage! At this point, the Park is encouraging patrons to buy their licenses on-line through the link above.

Also new for 2012 is the on-line availability of Quetico Park entry permits. Even if we still reserve your permit, you now have the ability to check for open permits: https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/Quetico/Backcountry?Map

Boundary Waters- While Minnesota fishing licenses are still available here at Williams and Hall, they can also be purchased on-line at: https://jc.activeoutdoorsolutions.com/mn_customer/app/goHome.do

As in the past few years, Boundary Waters permits are also available on-line at: http://www.recreation.gov/unifSearchResults.do?topTabIndex=Search

Copy and paste any of the links above to your browser if the link doesn't work.

Remember...We're happy to secure your camping permits at no extra charge!

  bwca       Ontario Parks


Canadian trips...don't forget your CanPass (Remote Area Border Crossing Pass) http://www.williamsandhall.com/ftpgetfile.php?id=19

To Make Your Reservation On-Line:

Thanks for taking time to join us!

Sincerely,

Charlene, Blayne & Dave 

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