Secret Shopper Visits Ely, October 2014

We had a secret shopper in our store today inspecting fishing rods. A very discriminate buyer. She clearly knew her fishing rods and what to look for. She liked our selection of G Loomis, Shimano, Fenwick and other name brands.  However, she commented on the great seats we provide to our customers. Our shopper is Sadie Ann, 11 months old, and our #2 granddaughter. 

Visit Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters & Bait Shop for all your Boundary Waters fishing needs. Located at 2030 E. Sheridan St, Ely MN.

Staff Appreciation Dinner - October 2014

This past season we had a great staff working for Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters & Outdoor Store. They served our guests very well. We do appreciate all the hard work and many hours they put in to make this one of our best years. Thank you to all. 

Staff Appreciation dinner at the Grand Ely Lodge.

Many smiles and a great dinner with everyone

Isabella River to Bald Eagle Lake, September 2014 trip

Great video of Dave & Naomi McTeague canoe trip from Isabella Lake to Bald Eagle Lake in September. The Mcteagues bought a Bell Northwind from us and really enjoyed it. Thank you Dave and Naomi for the business and the video.

Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdJM9gVGlGo

Prescribe burn update - October 7, 2014

Observers may see smoke and even flames on the interior of burn areas listed below as fire continues to smolder and consume more pockets of fuel, which is what fire managers want to have happen. Holding lines are secure. Smoldering may continue until significant snowfall.

• Coo Lake North, T63N, R13W, S20, is 19 acres, is on a peninsula on the western edge of Burntside Lake.
•  Bear Island Island Unit, T61N, R13W, S10, 121 acres, is the large island in the center of Bear Island Lake. This unit continues to put up a fair amount of smoke.
•   Pine Ridge Unit, T65N, R16W, S1, 90 acres, is north of the Echo Trail and west of Jeanette Lake. About half of this unit was ignited.

·         In addition, fire crews burned some brush piles along the Mushroom Island Road (Township 62 N, Range 12 W, Section 1) just to the west of the mid-section of White Iron Lake, east of Ely, MN yesterday.

Crews continue to monitor all of the areas listed above. They watch for both weather patterns and fire behavior.

Safety message: 

Please do not walk in “the black” as burned areas are called. Root systems of trees may have been burned so that a green tree might topple over without warning. Holes may be filled with smoldering material.

Fire crews may return to these sites to perform additional prescribed burns within the next several years to continue clean-up and encourage the comeback of desired species.  For more information, contact Becca Manlove, Information Officer, Kawishiwi Ranger District, 218-365-2093. 

Ely Area Fishing report - October 1 2014

The Fall fishing is heating up with numerous big fish being caught. Walleyes have been biting from 20-29 feet of water on Lindy rigs with minnows. The walleye pictured was 29 inches long and had about a 16 inch walleye in its throat. Big fish eat little fish! 

Fishing report provided by Rob Nelson, Ely Fishing Guides

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Bait Shop, Ely MN on Sheridan Street just received an abundant supply of minnows: Rainbow Chubs, Fathead Chubs, Crappie minnows, Pike suckers, Heavy Northern Suckers. Oh do they all look nice and lively.
Hours: open daily 7 am - 5 pm

Prescribe Burn Update - September 29, 2014

Monday, September 29, 2014

Coo Lake Understory Prescribe Burn 

Fire fighters made good use of the weather window over the past four days and managed good consumption of hazardous fuels on three prescribed burn units. These units will be monitored. As holding action, crews may ignite pockets of unburned fuels within the boundaries so people may continue to see and smell smoke near the burns. Fire managers will continue to watch for opportunities this fall. If warmer, drier weather returns these units may be revisited or other units may be addressed.

• Coo Lake North, T63N, R13W, S20, is 19 acres, is on a peninsula on the western edge of Burntside Lake. This unit was ignited yesterday. There was good consumption of hazardous fuels. The result of this burn will be a mosaic of species and ages of vegetation with some openings allowing blueberries and pine seedlings to grow. A crew is already on scene today. Pockets of unburned fuel may be ignited over the next several days as holding actions and to complete fuel reduction.
• Bear Island Island Unit, T61N, R13W, S10, 121 acres, is the large island in the center of Bear Island Lake. This unit was ignited on Friday. Pockets of fuel continued to ignite under stronger winds on Saturday. Firing tactics were designed to protect mature pines in the center and consume hazardous fuels. Some individual torching of pines occurred but pines remain to re-seed the island. Fuel reduction on this island will help to slow or even stop a wildfire from threatening nearby homes. 
• Pine Ridge Unit, T65N, R16W, S1, 90 acres, is north of the Echo Trail and west of Jeanette Lake. About half of this unit was ignited yesterday before rain swept in, but fire cleaned up some holding lines for future burns.
• Kangas Burn Unit, T61N, R12W, S14, 99 acres, is south of the Blueberry Lake Road (St. Louis County Road 120) off the Birch Lake Road, south of Little Lake. The purpose of this burn is to re-establish moose habitat. The short window of burning weather forced fire managers to set this unit aside for a future opportunity, perhaps even later this fall if the right weather develops.

 Any one of these sites may be re-visited with a prescribed burn within the next several years to continue clean-up and encourage the comeback of desired species.  For more information, contact Becca Manlove, Information Officer, Kawishiwi Ranger District, 218-365-2093.

Prescribe burn update from USFS - September 28, 2014

Coo Lake North Crews just reported they are about 50% done with firing. The burn is going very well. The wind is still from the southwest so people to the northeast will be seeing and smelling smoke but winds are light and dispersal is good.

Pine Ridge Crews completed a test burn and have begun firing.

Bear Island Island monitoring crew just reported in. There is no smoke column. Fire is still finding individual pockets of unburned fuel. Fairly light smoke is being carried to the northeast toward Highway 21 but a wind change from the north is expected soon. Rain is expected to follow soon after the wind change.

Prescribe burn update - September 27, 2014

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Yesterday, fire fighters successfully ignited a prescribed burn of the Bear Island Island Unit. A holding crew is already on site this morning to monitor its progress. Gustier winds are anticipated for today helping to consume pockets of unburned hazards on the island.

A small burn on Coo Lake North was extinguished due to the winds expected today. The Pine Ridge and Kangas Units are also being prepared. Cooler temperatures and lighter winds are predicted for tomorrow. The likelihood of one quarter to one half an inch of rain falling in the afternoon is another factor being considered. To allow for the most accurate weather prediction, fire managers will determine which of the three remaining units to focus on on the day of ignition (possibly tomorrow).

• Coo Lake North, T63N, R13W, S20, is 19 acres, is on a peninsula on the western edge of Burntside Lake.

·         Bear Island Island Unit, T61N, R13W, S10, 121 acres, is the large island in the center of Bear Island Lake.

·         Kangas Burn Unit, T61N, R12W, S14, 99 acres, is south of the Blueberry Lake Road (St. Louis County Road 120) at the end of U5192AA south of Little Lake.

·         Pine Ridge Unit, T65N, R16W, S1, 90 acres, is north of the Echo Trail and west of Jeanette Lake.

Please leave fire fighters space to do their work. Be mindful of aircraft. They may need to scoop water from the lake. Please don’t park fire engines in—they may need to respond to other fires or re-position to support the prescribed burn.

All Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Entry Points and Superior National Forest Trails are expected to remain open. People may see and smell smoke. As always, the safety of fire fighters, residents, and visitors is the first priority in using fire to reduce hazardous fuels. There will be increased traffic on roads and the lake due to fire operations. Aerial resources may be used for safety, communications, additional control, and monitoring.  For maps and more information: http://www.fs.usda.gov/superior or call 218-365-7600. (Not all of the units shown on the maps are scheduled to be burned at this time.) 

Prescribe burn update from the USFS - September 26, 2014

September 26, 2014

Yesterday, a test fire showed conditions to be too moist for good consumption of hazardous fuels to ignite the Coo Lake North unit. Cloud cover that was predicted to break up by mid-afternoon did not disperse.

A meteorologist from NOAA joined the crew yesterday evening. Spot weather predictions indicated good burning conditions for today, September 26, 2014. The Bear Island Island Unit was chosen because of predicted wind direction, temperatures, and expected weather over the next few days. 

Hazardous fuels have been cleared from around two eagles nests and two campsites. These four areas of concern are ‘plumbed’ with sprinkler hoses. Ignition crews will be following burn patterns designed to protect pine stands on the interior of the island while consuming hazardous fuels on the edges. 

• Coo Lake North, T63N, R13W, S20, is 19 acres, is on a peninsula on the western edge of Burntside Lake.
• Bear Island Island Unit, T61N, R13W, S10, 121 acres, is the large island in the center of Bear Island Lake.
• Kangas Burn Unit, T61N, R12W, S14, 99 acres, is south of the Blueberry Lake Road (St. Louis County Road 120) at the end of U5192AA south of Little Lake.
• Pine Ridge Unit, T65N, R16W, S1, 90 acres, is north of the Echo Trail and west of Jeanette Lake.

Please leave fire fighters space to do their work. Be mindful of aircraft. They may need to scoop water from the lake. Please don’t park fire engines in—they may need to respond to other fires or re-position to support the prescribed burn.

All Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Entry Points and Superior National Forest Trails are expected to remain open. People may see and smell smoke. As always, the safety of fire fighters, residents, and visitors is the first priority in using fire to reduce hazardous fuels. There will be increased traffic on roads and the lake due to fire operations. Aerial resources may be used for safety, communications, additional control, and monitoring.  

For maps and more information: http://www.fs.usda.gov/superior or call 218-365-7600. (Not all of the units shown on the maps are scheduled to be burned at this time.) 

New Lake One Campsites, Sept 2014

The USFS just announced two new campsites have been developed on Lake One; SW corner of section 15 and north central area of section 22. See fisher map #F31 cutout below.

September into October is a great time to visit and travel the Boundary Waters. there a fewer people, Few if any bugs and the fishing is good. start your mornings off in your jacket and be in shirt sleeves by afternoon. We are also coming up to the most colorful time in northern Minnesota with maples, oak, birch and ash trees changing colors.

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Outdoor Store will be open until mid-October. Our hours will change as the day's sunlight shortens. Checkout our great end-of-the-season sales on Columbia sportswear and footwear, TEVA sandals,  BWCA sweatshirts and T-shirts and more.

Used canoes & gear
End of the season is a great time for picking up some used gear. We offer quality gear that is not junk; Granite Gear packs, Alps and Kelty tents, life jackets, wood bentshaft paddles, kevlar canoes, SUP boards, Canaks and more.  Call for pricing and availability.

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Outdoor Store. 2030 E. Sheridan Street Ely MN

Phone:218-365-3149 or 800-950-2709.
Email: info@elycanoetrips.com
www.elycanoetrips.com.\
www.BWCAshop.com

Used Gear Sale Weekend

Stop by Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters September 5, 6 & 7, 2014 for our Used Gear Sale and Fall Retail Sale.

We will be selling off a variety of items from our rental inventory.  This is the time to pick up a few items you are missing in your collection.  All items are in used AS IS condition.  Some gear items may need repair.

We will have the following Used Gear for sale:

Alps 3 & 4 person Outfitter Tents
Kelty Gunnison 4 - 4 person tents
Therm-a-rest sleeping pads
Crazy Creek Chairs
Vest Style Life Jackets
Coleman Peak One stoves
Coleman 2 burner stoves
Slumberjack mummy style sleeping bags
Bending Branches wood bent paddles
Granite Gear Superior One Packs
Granite Gear Traditional #3 packs
and anything else we can find to put a price tag on to make room for new gear next year!

Used Stand Up Paddle Boards:

Rave Sports Lake Cruiser 11'6" paddle boards
Rave Sports Lake Cruiser 10'6" paddle board
Rave Sports Touring Lake 11'6" paddle Boards

Used Kevlar Canoes:

Wenonah Boundary Waters
Wenonah Spirit II
Wenonah Champlain
Wenonah Seneca
Bell Northwind

2014 Fall Store & Outfitting Hours

Aug - Sept 6 - Open 6am-9pm
Sept 7-13 - Open 6am-8pm
Sept 14-20 - Open 7am-7pm
Sept 21-Oct 4 - Open 7am-6pm
Sept 5 & On - Hours to be determined

Open times are subject to change depending on weather & Business. Make a reservation with us and we will make sure we are here when you need us.

Need us to be here earlier or later? Just make an appointment and we would be happy to work with you.

Stop in to check out our Fall Specials on used gear, new clothing & footwear and more.

Used Gear Sale Weekend - September 5-7 in Ely

Need a tent, sleeping bag, pack, cook kit, kevlar canoe, stand up paddle boards (SUP) or something else for your wilderness trip? Come to Spirit of the Wilderness September 5-7, 8 am - 5 pm, and check out our used gear sale. All items will be at reduced prices and sold as is.  we need to make room for new inventory and storage area.

Over the next couple of weeks we will be posting photos of many items for your pre-sale review.

See you September 5-7 at Spirit of the Wilderness

PS: this is also Harvest Moon Festival in the park, so plan to enjoy a great weekend in ely

Loons flying over Ely

Woke this morning hearing loons calling out as they flew over Ely. You don't hear or see these wonderful birds in the Twin Cities, Chicago or Detroit. One more reminder why we like this area and the wilderness.

Come join us this summer. There still are permits available to travel the Boundary Waters. Mid-August into September is one of the most enjoyable times in the BWCA...limited bugs, less people, warm days, cool nights, and so much more.

 Call us at 800-950-2709 or email  at info@elycanoetrips.com.

Dragonfly in the BWCA

Spotted this dragonfly perched on a grass leaf while I was waiting for a group to return from their 4 day/3 night canoe trip starting from Lake One. Like seeing these critters as they eat mosquitoes.

Loon on her nest

We were fishing on a lake off the Echo trail this past week and came upon a loon on her nest. We drifted close by her and she hardly moved, although she watched us very carefully. The male loon was across the lake fishing.

By the way we caught a couple of small northern pike and had a smallmouth bass grab a lure and flip out of the water.  What a great sight to see.

Stop at Spirit of the Wilderness Bait Shop, Ely MN for your live bait needs as well as current fishing reports.  We talk fishing. Hours: 6 am - 9 pm daily.

Disappointment Lake Island Fire - July 2, 2014

On June 30, 2014, a fire was reported in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) east of Ely on an island in Disappointment Lake (Township 64N Range, 8W Section 33).

Size: On the island the fire is estimated at twelve to thirteen acres; the spot fire on the mainland
was held to one tenth of an acre. The mainland portion of the fire is contained. The rest of the fire
is confined to the island.

Personnel: 8 crew members are on site now. Personnel will be reduced, but crews will continue
to monitor and take appropriate actions for the next few days.

Visitor Impacts: Visitors may see and smell smoke on the eastern portion of Disappointment
Lake during the next few days. One campsite (#10—the eastern most site) on Disappointment
Lake is closed at this time. All BWCAW entry points, portages, travel routes, and hiking trails
remain open.

USFS photos of affected area.

            

Disappointment Lake - Island Fire, July 1, 2014

Disappointment Island Fire

Fact Sheet July 1, 2014

Introduction:  On June 30, 2014, a fire was reported in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) east of Ely on an island in Disappointment Lake (Township 64N Range 8W Section 33—see map). A Forest Service helicopter pilot reported stiff winds had carried a spot fire from the island to the mainland near a designated campsite.  Fire crews were dispatched to the scene. Size was estimated to be one acre on the island and one tenth of an acre on the eastern shore of Disappointment Lake.

Strategies: Fire managers are using confine and contain suppression tactics on the fire. Crews may use some hand ignition to confine the fire to the island. Fire crews will be in the area. Current conditions are damp but a drying trend is expected within the next few days.

Visitor Impacts: Visitors may see and smell smoke on the eastern portion of Disappointment Lake during the next few days. One campsite (#10—the eastern most site) on Disappointment Lake is closed at this time. All BWCAW entry points, portages, travel routes, and hiking trails remain open.

Towboat Service in the BWCA

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters, Ely MN is specially permitted by the USFS to provide towboat service on the following lakes:

• Moose Lake to Splash Portage, Prairie Portage and on Basswood out to Washington Island or Back Bay
• Snowbank Lake to Disappointment Portage or Boot Lake Portage
• Across Burntside to Crab Lake Portage

We load at our Ely base facility and trailer boats to our drop-in landings. Our operators know the lakes and key in on being safe and punctual.  Set an appointment for your one-way or round trip tow today. Call Spirit of the Wilderness at 800-950-2709 or 218-365-3149.

Sheridan Street Garden, June 21, 2014

Spotted water collected on the Lupine flowers in our Ely garden after a gentle morning rain. Note the large water bubble in the center of the leaves. Our garden is being tended again this season by Zone 3 gardeners. Planting, weeding and advising me what plants are weeds and should be pulled. Apparently, I pulled a number of sprouting flowers last year and was told to be more careful. Garden looks good and will only get better as the summer progresses. Stop by to see all what is and will be blooming.

Trapping Bait...No Easy Job

Many people think trapping minnows is an easy job. Try doing it and you will find it is hard work. Here Peg, our bait suppliers for minnows, leeches, and crawlers, is packing a small outboard engine plus minnow trap to a no-name spot looking for rainbow chubs.  What you don't see in these photos is the 4 wheeler and small boat required to get to waters edge. I'm sure you can count on mosquitoes and flies being in the neighborhood and "knowing your name". They will make your work a bit more difficult.

Thanks Peg for all your hard work. You always provide the finest quality bait.

Stop in at Spirit of the Wilderness, Ely MN for all your live bait and tackle needs. We are open 6 am - 9 pm daily until mid-October. Remember Bait Happy Hour is every Tuesday and Wednesday 5 pm-8 pm: buy 2 dozen live bait, get 1 dozen FREE.

We carry fathead chubs, Rainbows (in season), Shiners, Pike Suckers, Light Northern Suckers, Heavy Northern Suckers, Night crawlers, leeches (mixed run, large, jumbo, super jumbo), and wax worms.

Kevlar inventor Stephanie Kwolek, age 90, dies

We all can appreciate the invention of kevlar that Stephanie Kwolek discovered; not only in protecting our military and police personnel, but also in development of light weight canoe, canaks, and more.

Kevlar inventor Stephanie Kwolek, 90, dies http://usat.ly/SYfSmV

Boundary Waters Rescue June 12, 2014

A successful rescue in the BWCA was done on Thursday by DNR, St Louis and Lake County, USFS, and Latorell Outfitter staff. Thank you to all who responded. Check out this report from a Duluth TV reporter.

http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S3472797.shtml?cat=10335

This is a prime example of why everyone should wear their life jackets every time they are in a boat, canoe, kayak, SUP board and other watercraft. Also, with high gusting winds and crossing big water, it is okay to wait out the high winds until they die down. Be safe to travel the wilderness again!

Live Bait at Spirit of the Wilderness

We are now stocking Super Jumbo Leeches as well as mixed size (ungraded), large, and jumbos. Buy them by the dozen, 1/2 lb or l lb quantities. Spirit of the Wilderness is your only Ely location for Super Jumbos Leeches.

Our minnow selection continues to be excellent with Fathead Chubs, Shiners, Pike Suckers, Light Northern Suckers, Heavy Northern Suckers and our popular Walleye Mix; combination of fatheads, shiners and pike suckers. Even the area guides are choosing this combination.

Our night crawlers are plump and active. We repack them in Fat & Sassy pre-moistened bedding that keeps them fresh and living longer. We package them in dozens, 4-dozen boxes, 1/2 flats as well as flats.

Bait Happy Hour
Be sure to stop in for bait happy hour (hic!) Tuesday and Wednesday 5-8pm. Buy 2 dozen live bait, mix or match, get 1 dozen at no charge.

Call us at 1-800-950-2709 if you want to have us set aside a quantity of leeches, minnows or night crawlers and we will have them ready for your arrival. Or stop in at our shop 6 am - 9 pm daily.

Good fishing and see you in Ely soon.

Early season fishing report - June 4, 2014

Fishing Report From the Ely Fishing Guide Company by guide Rob Nelson.

Our season started off with a bang with good numbers of walleyes in the current areas. Our customers were able to catch a lot of eating size fish as well as some trophies which were all released. Biggest Walleye of the season so far is 30.5 inches. With a couple others in the 30 inch range and many more in the 26-29 inch range. These big fish made for some happy customersI

Currently the walleyes are on the move finding their summer spots. The current areas have slowed down and our guides are finding fish in the bays, points and flats. Fish have been caught in the 13-18 foot range with minnows, leeches and some crawlers.

Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike are being caught on the shorelines and the bays. The bass are still pre-spawn and the larger females are being caught in 6-10 feet of water on plastic worms and tube jigs.

Live Bait Is Here!

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Bait Shop, Ely MN has a variety of live bait for you. We are accepting bait deliveries 2-3 times per week, so our bait is fresh and lively. Check us out before you head into the BWCA or fish the area lakes.  

Live Bait we stock:

• Fathead Chubs
• Rainbows
• Golden Shiners
• Pike Suckers
• Light Northern Suckers
• Heavy Northern Suckers
• Frozen Ciscos
• Wax Worms
• Night Crawlers
• Leeches

Don't forget Bait Happy Hour every Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 pm - 8 pm.  Buy 2 dozen live bait, get the 3rd dozen FREE. You can mix or match dozens. Your less expensive dozen is your FREE item.

Spirit of the Wilderness

2030 E. Sheridan Street

Ely, MN 55731

Ph: 218-365-3149 or 800-950-2709

www.elycanoetrips.com

Online store: BWCAshop.com

Lake Ice Conditions - May 15, 2015

During May 14, 2014 USFS flight the pilot was unable to see lakes north of Alice Lake so
conditions for some border lakes are not known. Another flight is scheduled for Thursday morning

West Side:

• Except for Snowbank, most lakes in the west zone are open.
• Moose Chain to Prairie all open. All of Basswood, Knife and Ensign are open.
• Kekekabic and Knife are open.
• Burntside is open.
• White Iron, Bear Island, and Shagawa are open.
• Snowbank has ice in the center and on the east side.
• Rivers are open.
• Lakes One through Four, Insula, and Alice are open.
• Up the Echo Trail: Jeanette L. and Big L. are open.

East Side: Lakes on the east side of the forest on the southern half are mostly open.

• Outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Crescent, Fourmile, Toohey, and Lichen are open.
• Mid- Trail and West Bearskin not open--slim chance of it opening by the weekend.
• Gunflint Lake open up to Magnetic Lake but there is still ice on the shores.
• Round Lake Open
• Missing Link Lake open
• Saganaga and Greenwood are NOT open.
• Seagull open
• Ham Lake open- Cross River and Cross Lake- open
• Probably nothing open yet in the Vento area (Daniels, Duncan)
• Bog, Quadga, Kawishiwi, Isabella, Koma, Malberg, Polly, and Perent Lakes are OPEN.

Lake Ice Conditions: May 13, 2014

Current Ice Conditions:  Pilots were unable to fly today. As you venture out into newly opened water, remember the gasp reflex. No matter how well you can swim, please WEAR yourlifejacket!

West Side:

• Basswood: Jackfish, Hoist, Wind, and Back Bays all appear open. Bailey Bay is not open but likely to change in the next few days. Moose Chain to Prairie all open.
• Burntside: east and west arms open, ice in channel and some in North Arm.
• White Iron, Bear Island, and Shagawa are open.
• Snowbank and east of Alice Lake are mostly still full of ice. Shallower bays in Snowbank are opening.
• Rivers are mostly open and lakes (except for a few large ones) are mostly open from Snowbank going west.
• Up the Echo Trail: Jeanette L. and Big L. are open.

East Side:

• Outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Crescent, Fourmile, Toohey, and Lichen are open.
• Mid- Trail is still socked with ice, like West Bearskin still pretty iced over --pretty slim chance of it opening by the weekend.
• Gunflint Lake the on the west side of the Gunflint trail its open up to Magnetic Lake but there is still ice on the shores.
• Round Lake Open
• Missing Link Lake open
• Gillis open
• The channel into Sag open – but can see ice beyond
• Seagull is open
• Ham Lake open- Cross River and Cross Lake- open
• Probably nothing open yet in the Vento area (Daniels, Duncan)
• Kawishiwi and Isabella Lakes are open. Parent Lake is probably open.

This report will be linked to the ice conditions alert on the Superior National Forest website:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/superior

May 7, 2014 Ice Out Report

Superior National Forest Ice Update

                                                                        May 7, 2014 PM report

                                                                       

Current Ice Conditions: Conditions are changing quickly. Rains, warmth, and wind could give fisherman much more open water by the weekend.

From Forest Service pilots today:  

·        -  Newton (between Fall L and Pipestone) is open.

·         - Pipestone is 60% open.

·         -  Jackfish is still frozen.

·         - Mud is 50%, Rice is 80%, and Ella Hall is 20% open.

·        -  Garden is 75% open.

·         - Kempton is open.

·        -  Pickerel is 50%.

·         - Wood is starting to open.

·       -   Fall—there is ice on the west end and by the 4 Mile Portage.

·         - Most of Basswood is tightly frozen but Back Bay is 50%. Hoist Bay is frozen.

·        -  Lakes 1 thru 4—shorelines are open but still 75% ice. May see some changes in the next few days.

·         - Kawishiwi R. and west bound there is some open water and may open by the weekend. Gabbro and Bald Eagle (southern end) are 25%. Three Mile is 60%.

·         - Snowbank and going east most of the lakes are frozen tight to the shore.

Reports from others:

·        -  The road into Mudro Lake is in very bad condition. Low clearance vehicles and two wheel drive vehicles will probably not make it.

Road Reports from Gunflint (Grand Marais) Engineer:

·         The Grade:  (170) is snow free, but really rough – even “rutty”.

·         You can’t get into Wilson Lake Campground and probably won’t be able to for at least a few more days, probably not by this weekend.

·         From Lake County 7, going on FR 166 (600 Road) to the 342 Road, (Two Island River Road) there is about 1-2” of snow at the intersection of 166/342, so no travel down on the 342 road for several days.

·         From Lake County Road 7 to Richey Lake Road it is still snow covered, but passable by pickup or four wheel drive, car travel would not be advised.

·         Temperance River Road (343) you could drive up the first four miles but lots of trees were down.  There is still snow on the road, probably only advisable with a pick-up truck.

Ice Out conditions 2014

Superior National Forest Ice Update

 May 6, 2014 PM report

  

Current Ice Conditions: Remember, ice is never completely safe and now is a particularly dangerous time. 

Also, ice packs shift with winds so the exact location of an ice pack may change quickly. 

From Forest Service pilots--a seeding mission was flown today and this is the pilot’s report: 

· There is very little open water right now. 

· If we get a break in the weather, conditions may change very quickly—even as soon as this weekend. 

· Where there is current, ice is breaking up. 

· Much of Fall Lake is open and some portions of Pipestone Bay are open. 

· Smaller lakes and ponds are dark and are starting to break up. 

· Portions of Birch Lake are beginning to open up. 

· Most lakes east of Insula are pretty solidly ice-covered still. 

· The Little Indian Sioux and Nina Moose (aka Moose/Portage Rivers) Rivers are open but the lakes are mostly still frozen. 

Reports from others: 

· Much of the eastern end of Fall Lake is open. 

· The southern tip of Pipestone Bay was open to just north of Wegens Point two days ago. 

· The road into Mudro Lake is in very bad condition. Low clearance vehicles and two wheel drive 

vehicles will probably not make it. 

We are sending warm thoughts toward opening of fishing.