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In This Issue
THE FISHING CORNER
SEASON"S GREETINGS
AROUND THE BASE
IMPORTANT LINKS AND UPDATES
THE FISHING CORNER 

Our winter fishing has gotten off to a slow start this year. The bigger lakes like Moose, Snowbank, Basswood and Knife had barely frozen over when we were greeted with our first big snowstorm of the season. The problem was that the weight of 15 to 18 inches of snow pushed down on the thin ice, causing the water to seep up to the snow. This in turn made for some bad slush conditions, which aren't very pleasant to fish in.

On the other hand, one of the coldest Decembers in recent memory has helped to improve ice conditions.

Hopefully in short order, we'll be venturing out in quest of some of our favorite winter target species...like crappies and lake trout...not to mention pike and walleyes!

Dave


We'd love to share your pictures through our newsletter...fishing or otherwise. Just e-mail in a small format.

Thanks!



Upcoming
Dates
and helpful links


Minnesota Fishing License Update!

At this point, we do not anticipate any changes to the Minnesota fishing regulations for 2014, so we will leave the current link posted. License pricing did change in 2013. Interestingly enough, while the cost of a non-resident license went up, the State of Minnesota now offers a non-resident license for youth (age 16 & 17) that entitles them their own limit and exempts them from a trout stamp, for just $6.
regs 2013
 
Ontario Fishing Licenses

After a recent conversation with the Quetico Park office, we can tell you that Prairie Portage has been able to sell fishing licenses this year without issue...so far. In order to save time at the Ranger Station, we would still highly recommend buying your Ontario Fishing Licenses on-line. Follow the appropriate link to the right of this section.

We'll keep you posted of any regulation changes when and if they occur.


PERMIT TIME

Don't forget, it's that time of the year again!
Remember that Quetico Park permits are available 5 months...to the day in advance of your preferred starting date.

Boundary Waters permits will become available in January. All Moose Lake and Fall Lake permits can now be applied for...for lottery drawing on January 16th. All other BWCA permits become available on a first come, first served basis on January 29th.

Weekend starts and mid-summer (July 15th- August 15th) are prime times, so reserve your permits early. Remember, we're happy to reserve permits for our guest.

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.

 

 
Season's Greetings!


  As we come to the beginning of a new year, we look back with fond memories of the those who joined us this past year. We sincerely thank you for spending some of your vacation time with us. 


As sure as the snow covers the memories of a season past, surely new stories await just under the icy cover of a frozen Boundary Waters lake.


Although the canoe routes are cold and quiet, we're warmed by the thoughts of trips to come. With gracious anticipation, we look forward to being a part of your next Canoe Country adventure.

All of us at Williams and Hall Outfitters wish our Guests and Friends a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and All the Best in the New Year!
    

Dave

 

 

Around the Base
Winter Friends  
Gray Jay
One thing that's predictable in around here in the winter is the reliability of our winter friends. With a little patience, a lot of bird seed, suet and a source of unfrozen water, our winter friends give us a season-long nature show right outside the office window.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

With a little luck and a watchful eye, we may even catch a glimpse of one of the "critters" that happen by the feeders...like the ermine (least weasel). In the winter it's white as the snow, except for it's eyes, nose and the tip of its tail. Adept at mouse hunting, we once had one sneak into the office. While we didn't have any mice in
the office, we were glad to get him back in the forest where he belonged.
 
Chickadee
Ermine 










In the spring when the snow goes away, so do the feeders...before the other "critters" come out of hibernation!
   
Dave 

Northern Shrike 
                                                                  
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/

Purchasing Ontario fishing licenses on-line proved to be an easy alternative to attempting a purchase at Prairie Portage last summer. We'll continue to advise Quetico fishermen and women to purchase on-line for this year.

Ontario Parks permits (including Quetico Park) will continue to be available on-line for the 2013 season: 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!

        
BW Q

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 and remember, we look forward to assisting you in your future canoe trip plans. Happy Holidays!


Sincerely,  
Blayne, Charlene & 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