Fishing Licenses

The Minnesota state offices may close down on July 1st due to budget issues. If this occurs, it will not be possible to purchase fishing licenses for an unknown period of time. In order to avoid any issues with this, we recommend that any licenses be purchased on or before June, 30th. You can take care of this online at https://jc.activeoutdoorsolutions.com/mn_customer/app/gohome.do

We will update the blog as soon as we know more about the licensing situation.

Fishing Report

The bass are just getting off of their beds but are still as aggressive as ever. They are loving the top waters right now and are giving great aerobatic shows. Pike are pike hitting anything that comes near them. Try top waters if you want to see some big pike get air. The lake trout are moving deeper and are becoming more elusive. Trolling in about 40'-50' of water with spoons has been the main focus for most. On the brighter side the walleyes are starting to pick up after the crazy weather that we've been having. Jigging with leeches and also using your standard slip bobber with a leech have been the ticket for most.

The weather hasn't been exactly ideal in the Northwoods this week. Sure we could grumble, but instead of dwelling on the rainy days, we will take a moment to point out some of the positives that come with the rain. Here are the Top 10.

1. Water levels are excellent on lakes throughout the BWCAW.

2. Mosquitoes are kept at bay during rain showers.

3. If you have made your way up the Gungflint Trail this summer, you will have nocticed how green it is.

4. You will actually be able to use the raingear you always pack. No rain gear? Well, at least a lesson was learned.

5. For you blueberry lovers out there, conditions are looking great for an excellent blueberry crop in July and August.

6. Chances of getting sunburn are slim to none.

7. There is no need to take a shower during your canoe trip.

8. Due to a wet Spring and recent rains, the forest fire risk is low- definitely something to appreciate after several fires in the area in recent years.

9. The rain can be a great excuse to stay in your tent or cabin and actually relax on your vacation. Catch up on some reading, play a game of cards, or just enjoy the company of those you are with.

10. Last, but certainly not least, we wouldn't be able to truly appreciate the sunny days in the forecast for this weekend without a few rainy ones every now and then.

Last Minute Openings

This week has been very busy at Seagull! We had 125 guests come through today alone! However, this much appreciated chaos slows down at the end of the week as the fourth of July approaches. There are still many available overnight paddling permits for both Seagull Lake, Saganaga Lake and many surrounding Boundary Waters entrances.

In addition to canoeing on Seagull and Saganaga, we had a complete turnover of cabins this past weekend as well as this upcoming weekend. Starting the 25th of this month we have two cabins opening up and would love to fill them. Our Alpine Cabin on Seagull is open the 25-29th and we are happy to rent this cabin out for two people with boat and motor included for $199/Night. Our Big Sag Cabin on Saganaga is available the 25-27th and we would be happy to rent this as well for $299/Night. This quote is the two person rate and also includes a 16' Lund with a 25HP motor. The fishing has been great on Sag, don't let this opportunity slip away!

The above photo was shot on a calm, cool morning on Seagull just last week. Great shot, Jeff! This is what you can wake up to in the beautiful Northwoods. We hope to hear from you!

Katelyn

They're Flocking in Packs

The crowds, the fish, and the wildlife have been coming in schools! Since the school year has come to end, we've seen many families and bigger groups travelling North! We've had multiple parties entering into the Boundary Waters and Quetico. The following picture shows a party that showed up in a bus. They definitely didn't have any problems fitting all their gear in there!

Along with the crowds that have been coming through... the fish and wildlife have been flocking in large number as well. It is an ideal time to be fishing for both bass and walleye. We've had many great fishing reports from trips into Seagull, Saganaga and surrounding lakes.

The moose are also on the move. We had a couple employees that headed down to Grand Marais for groceries this morning and were fortunate enough to see six moose on the trail! Hope you have the same luck on your way up! We hope to see you this summer!

Katelyn

The Bass are Bedding

Fishing is really looking good here on Seagull. The bass are sitting on their beds and are hitting anything that comes near them. If your looking for some fun fishing, now is the time. The bass are taking to top waters and giving great aerobatic shows. Walleyes are now starting to be pulled out in decent numbers. Just a simple slip bobber and a leech have been the key to finding them. Pike are still going strong but not as many reports due to people mostly targeting bass and walleyes. No real news of lakers for the same reason.

Fishing Report

The bass are really starting to hit hard. They are mostly in the shallows hiding under downed trees. Panther Martins and Mepps with a small screwtail on the hook have been the lure of choice. Rapala's, Lindy rigs with a leech and top water poppers have also been doing very well for others. It's looking like the Walleyes are also starting to become more active. A simple slip bobber with a leech have been working the best a few feet of the bottom. A few have had some luck trolling with Rapala's. A couple of Lakers have been pulled out near the palisades, but no news of what they were using for bait. The Pike are still as ferocious as ever. If you have something shiny in your tackle box you will do just fine catching them.