2018 Fishing Opener Specials at Spirit of the Wilderness

Stop in today at 

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Retail Store 

to grab your 

FREE Rapala T-Shirt when you purchase any 2 Rapala Lures.  

(Special runs 6 AM - 9 PM 5/12/18)

We are open from 6 AM - 9 PM daily.

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters & Retail Store
2030 E. Sheridan Street
Ely, MN 55731
218-365-3149
www.elycanoetrips.com
info@elycanoetrips.com

Summer BWCA Outfit Special

With plenty of fish to catch and other wildlife to see, the BWCA is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. Start your wilderness adventure in Ely, MN, canoe capital of the upper Midwest. Easy access to a place where you can listen to the silence and slow down the pace of life.

Spirit of the Wilderness is offering a 3 day 2 night complete outfitted canoe trip in the beautiful Boundary Waters.

• Only $225 plus tax per person! 

This special offer includes but is not limited to:

• Straps, pads and the loading of your canoe
• Kevlar canoe, yoke with pads, life jackets and paddles
• Food, cook kit and utinsils, stove with fuel and dining tarp
• Tent, sleeping bags and pads
• Additional days available at a discounted rate

Limitations:

• There must be a minimum of 2 people
• BWCA permit and usage fees are not included
• Reservation with deposit are required
• Must start trip by September 30, 2016
• Black-out dates July 24 - August 13, 2016

The Boundary Waters is Calling You!

Call today and let Spirit of the Wilderness, Ely MN outfit you for a exciting summer canoe or hiking trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

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

email: info@elycanoetrips.com

Fishing Gear in the BWCA - what to pack?

Do you fish the Boundary Waters or Quetico?  What top fishing tackle items do you always take with you?

Some items to take on a canoe trip:

• Rod and reel with 6-8 lb test line. It's ok to take more than 1 rod/reel, just be careful you are only using one at a time per person. MN DNR rules.
• Floating lures - working top water is great late June into September when fishing for bass
• Countdown lures - getting down to where walleyes are takes some planning. Lures that are designed for 15-20 feet used while trolling work well
• Jigs with twister tails or artificial bait - jigging is a good method to get deep, working a foot or so off the bottom of the lake. 
• Spinner bait to work the weed beds - fish go looking for food (bait fish) and a place to hide in the weeds. Yes, you might get your lure stuck in the weeds...but fish where the fish are.
• Live bait, i.e. minnows, leeches, crawlers, are allowed in the Boundary Waters. Be sure to change water between lakes so as not to take an invasive species into another lake
• Fillet knife - think positive...you are going to catch a fish big enough to fillet and eat

Register Your Fish

If you fish lakes in the Ely area, BWCA or Quetico this summer, be sure to register your fish at Spirit of the Wilderness, Ely MN to enter the Angler Fishing Contest.  Free registration, get your picture in the Angler paper and best of all...you just might win!

We register both catch and released as well as those fish that are kept.

What are the top 3 items you take into the BWCA?

What are the top items you always take into the BWCA and use around your campsite?

Yes, we take a canoe, paddles, life jackets, tents, sleeping bags w/pads and more.  I'm asking what special items do you take?

Couple of my favorites area pliers or multi-tool and Gerber 6 inch blade knife w/sheath that I received as a high school graduation gift. Oh has it been that long that I have owned it...since graduation? These must have items are great for cooking, repair of camping equipment, fishing, etc.

What items do you have to have available around your campsite?

• 2- 50 ft length of rope - use for hoisting food pack into trees or line for drying wet clothes

• Collapsible or Sven saw - many times I don't even use a saw as there is usually more than enough small pieces of wood gathered off the ground. No need to take an ax or hatchet. Most people fail to follow correct handling rules and risk a severe cut. Save your fingers by using a saw.

 

• One or two burner stove with fuel - size of the group will determine size of stove. 2-4 people a single burner stove will be adequate. 4+ people, go for the two - single burner or two burner stove.
• Strike anywhere stick matches in a water tight container. I also like to have a small lighter along as a back up and easy to carry in my pocket.

       

• Water bottle for each person. Keep hydrated and your trip will be more comfortable.
• Compass for orienting your map to north. I have my compass on a landyard around my neck for quick use.
• Map of the area you are traveling. Using a GPS is fine; but batteries wear out, devise may not pick up a signal, or you drop it in the water and now it really doesn't work.  We recommend having a set of maps for each canoe. Keeps peace in the group, allows others to know "where the heck are we?" and to compare locations

Visit Spirit of the Wilderness website at www.elycanoetrips.com or call us at 218-365-3149 and start planning your 2016 Boundary Waters or Quetico canoe trip.

How has the Boundary Waters Affected You?

How has the Boundary Waters affected you? Many of our guests comment on the positive effect traveling the BWCA has on them.

1865 landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmstead looked out over the Yosemite Valley and saw a place worth saving. He urged the California legislature to protect it. He was convinced green space should exist for all people to enjoy. "It is scientific fact" he wrote, "that the occasional contemplation of natural scenes of an impressive character...is favorable to the health and vigor of men and especially to the health and vigor of their intellect." Don't know about the science basis, but I'm sure it is not only men that receive a benefit.

Join us this summer for another wilderness adventure starting at Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters, Ely MN

Hibernating or Incubating?

Are you hibernating this winter or incubating on a plan to be in the wilderness such as the BWCA?

2016 BWCA Permit Lottery Dates

Are you ready to book your 2016 Canoe trip?  We are ready to take your reservations!

It's that time of year again.  We can start applying for your Moose Lake and Fall Lake Overnight Motor permits, Day Use Motor Permits and Overnight Paddling Permits.  Start planning your summer trip now.  This permit lottery deadline is for you if you want a Dy-Use Motor or Overnight Motor permit starting at Fall Lake or Moose lake.  All other paddle only entry points need not worry about this deadline.  Paddle only permits can start being reserved January 27th, 2016.

The deadline to get your Motor permit application in is 

 Tuesday, January 12, 2016.  

If you want a motor permit for this summer you need to enter the lottery now!

Do you just want to paddle in the BWCA this coming summer?  Then keep in mind that on January 27th, 2016 we can start booking your first come first reserved BWCA permit.  This date is when we want to book the entry points that are popular, but don't have many permits allowed each day.  This would be entry points such as Mudro Lake, Little Gabbro Lake, Moose River North, Little Indian Sioux.  

Do you have multiple groups going in on the same day?  Try to book early so you have more options available to pick from. 

Keep in mind you don't have to have your total group number when we reserve your permits.  We just need your exact travel dates and what entry point you would like to use.  We can adjust your group size once you arrive at Spirit of the Wilderness to have your permit issued.

Boundary Waters Permit information:

• 1 permit is good for up to 9 people and 4 watercraft
• You must pick a specific entry point and entry date
• Your exit date can change.
• Your group size can change up until the permit is issued.
• You can have your permit issued to you at Spirit of the Wilderness the day of or day before your travel dates.
• Only the names listed on the permit can pick up the permit.  You can have a group leader and up to 3 alternate leaders.

Start planning your 2016 BWCA & Quetico wilderness canoe adventure.  Start picking your travel dates and Spirit of the Wilderness can help you with your permit and outfitting reservations.

Spirit of the Wilderness can reserve your overnight paddling, day-use motor and overnight motor permits for. Call us at 800-950-2709 or 218-365-3149. Winter Hours: 8am - 8 pm daily.

Used Canoes, Kayaks & SUP Board Sale - October 2015

End of the season used kevlar canoe, kayak 

and Stand Up Paddle Board sale

Spirit of the Wilderness has a number of Wenonah and Bell Northstar kevlar reconditioned canoes as well as Current Design kayaks for sale. 

Each canoe has been properly prepared and coated with the correct resin...the type the canoes are made of!  Not a spar varnish that will peel and flake off within 1-2 years. 

Using the correct resin ensures longevity of the canoe and provides a protective coat over scratches that occurred when the canoes were used for rental. Our reconditioning will last the average paddler 5 - 8 years. Whereas a spar varnish will last 1-2 years, at best.

Wenonah canoes:

• Minnesota IIs, 
• Spirit IIs, 
• Boundary Waters
• Champlains
• Solo canoes; Prism and Encounter
• 3-seated Senecas and Minnesota 3

Bell Northstar canoes:

• Northwind 17
• Magic

Current Design kayaks:

• Kestral 120
• Kestral 140 w/rudder

Call Spirit of the Wilderness today at 800-950-2709 for pricing and 

reserve your kevlar canoe or kayak today

Flexible payment plans available

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boards are also available for sale. Used 1 or 2 seasons, lengths include:
10 ft 6 inch, 11 ft 6 inch, 12 ft 6 inch. Styles include RAVE Sport Lake Cruiser and RAVE Sport Touring  models. Priced well under suggested retail.

Call Spirit of the Wilderness today at 

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

October hours: 8 am - 5 pm daily

Travel the Boundary Waters - Fall Special 3 days / 2 nights

The Boundary Waters is calling you!  

Fall is one of the best kept secrets for canoeing or hiking the BWCA of northern Minnesota;

• Warm days, cool nights
• Fewer people than mid-summer
• Good fishing
• Hear the call of loons, see wildlife
• And more…

The BWCA is one of the top 50 places in the world National Geographic recommends you visit in your lifetime.


Start your wilderness adventure in Ely MN, canoe capital of the upper Midwest . Easy access to a place where you can listen to the silence and slow down the pace of life.


Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitter/Outdoor Store is ready to outfit your needs and help you make lifetime memories.

Experience the wilderness for 3 days/2 nights with a complete outfitting package at a reduced rate. Spirit of the Wilderness is ready to serve you and help you make lifetime memories of a Boundary Waters adventure.

3 Days/ 2 Nights Complete Outfitted Canoe Trip

• $199.00 per person, minimum 2 people (regularly $285.00/person)

Includes:

• Kevlar canoe, life jackets, paddles, food (2 breakfast,3 lunch, 2 dinners), packs, tent, sleeping bags w/pads, cook kit w/utensils, stove w/fuel, matches, TP, water filter, detailed map and more.
• BWCA permit and usage fees not included
• Trip must start after August 16 and end by October 31, 2015
• No other discounts apply
• A $100.00 deposit per person required to confirm reservation
• Additional days available at discount rate

           

Call today and let Spirit of the Wilderness, Ely MN outfit you for a Fall canoe or hiking trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

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

email: info@elycanoetrips.com

Bear Encounter Report - August 17, 2015

This report is furnished by the USFS, Kawishiwi Ranger Station, Ely MN

•       On 8/11 on Spoon Lake south side, first site to the right of the south portage. At 5:30 a.m. bear wandered into camp and was chased away. 10 minutes later bear was in food pack tree. Was chased out but stayed near campsite for some time.
• .       8/15 and 16: south shore of Vera, second site to the south: Large bear pulled group’s food pack down while they were out on a day trip. Group returned before bear got into their food and they retrieved the pack. Bear continued to circle camp, woofing, most of the day.
• .       8/14 Knife Lake site 16 south of Thunder Pt: Bear tore into hanging food pack while group was on a day trip, managed to reach into cooler inside pack and pull all the food out. Group was experienced but pulled pack high and the pack came close enough to the tree for the bear to reach it. Group did not see the bear

Bear Awareness

1. Keep your campsite clean. Never eat or store food in your tent.
2. Take all precautions to discourage bears from visiting your site, including hanging your food pack or using a bear-resistant container, as well as garbage and anything that has a strong or sweet odor (soap, toothpaste, lib balm, etc.)
3. Some bears overcome their fear of humans and approach campsites looking for food. This includes island campsites since bears are good swimmers.
4. If you do encounter a bear, most will be scared off if you make noise (shout, bang pots, or throw fist sized rocks at the bear, etc)
5. A very persistent bear may be discouraged by spraying pepper spray into its eyes.
6. When scouting out a campsite and you spot bear scat (poop) in the campsite, assume bear frequent the site and move to another campsite. If you do not know the difference between bear scat and wolf poop, assume it is bear scat and move to another campsite.

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters & Outdoor Store, Ely MN rents and sells bear resistant barrels and pack hanging systems. Give us a call at 218-365-3149 or 800-950-2709 today and start planning your September BWCA adventure.

30 liter, 60 liter barrels w/harness

Kondos pack hanging system

    

BWCA Permit Lottery Deadline January 13, 2015

The BWCA Moose Lake & Fall Lake permit Lottery deadline is Jaunuary 13, 2015.

What does this mean for you? If you want to take a Day Trip and/or Overnight Motor Trip into the BWCA entry points of Moose Lake or Fall Lake you want to book now! 

These entry points only have so many permits that you can use a 25hrp or less motorboat with.  They run a permit lottery to try and make it a little more fair for those applying for a motor permit.  We will help you put in your permit lottery application by January 13, 2015.  The we wait.  A few days later the US Forest Service/Recreation.gov starts sending out confirmation emails 

What about paddle only permits for Moose Lake and Fall Lake entry points?  You can also enter the permit lottery for this type of permit.  It just gives you a bit of a jump start on booking your paddle only trip permits.  Remember you will only be looking at Moose Lake and Fall Lake entry points at this time.  All other entry point permit reservations will be available in a few weeks.

Other BWCA entry points - January 28th, 2015 we can start reserving all BWCA enter point permits.  This is when the first come first serve reservations start for the summer of 2015.  This is a really good time to reserve permits for those hard to get entry points such as Mudro, Gabbro, and Moose River North.  It is also a very good time to reserve for busy times of the summer.  The peak season is Mid-July to Mid-August.  If you want to travel then try and have us book your permit as close to January 28th as possible.

Will all the BWCA entry point permits be gone if I don't book by January 28th?  Yes and No.  Many of the day use motor and overnight motor permits will have been reserved in the lottery ending January 13th.  If you want a motor permit of either kind you need to get in on the lottery.  There are very few if any left to reserve after the lottery.  Other BWCA overnight paddle permits for most entry points will still have permits to reserve after January 28th.  If you are picky about your trip dates or want a specific entry point then book sooner then later.  If you are a bit flexible then you have some time to figure out your plans.

Do I need to know what outfitting I want when I get a permit?  No, the permit is the most important part.  Once we book your BWCA permit then we can help you determine what outfitting meets your needs.  For outfitting options please visit www.elycanoetrips.com.

Any questions or to book your BWCA permit call Spirit of the Wilderness at 218-365-3149 or 800-950-2709 or email us at info@elycanetrips.com.

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

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

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.

Basswood produces Big Fish

Like early Spring, the Fall is another time in the season for big pike to be caught. Justin C. caught this 44+ inch one on Basswood yesterday working the currents using a big sucker minnow. He did CPR on the fish...catch, photograph and released it to be caught another day. It was fun to hear him tell the story of how he saw a "log" come swimming near the bottom, how it hit the minnow and the fight a fish like this can provide. He also hooked into one that was even bigger, but it broke his line and swam away.

Justin C, 44+ inch Pike, Basswood lake

Be sure to stop in at Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Outdoor Store, Ely, MN for all your fishing and outfitting needs. October 1-5; hours: 7-6pm  October 6-12; 8 am-5pm. Or by appointment if needed.

See you in Ely soon for the Fall colors and great wilderness travel.

8 Reasons Why Spirit of the Wilderness Should Repair your Canoe?

Spirit of the Wilderness, Ely MN has been repairing and reconditioning canoes for customers, other outfitters and our own canoes for over 14 years.  Why use our services?

1. Repairs of all types

• We work on many brands of canoes; Wenonah, Bell, Souris River, Mad River, Old Town and more.
• Repairs include; cuts, tears, scrapes, holes, divots, reconditioning, applying skid plates, installing and/or replacing gunwales, seats, yokes and pads. 
• For the average canoeist, our reconditioning should last 5-8 years. How do we know? We see our previous work when customers return years later to show us their canoes. Our process works and the satisfaction of our customers is great to see.

2. Take time to prep

• We use time proven methods in preparing your canoe and have consulted with each manufacturer for their recommendations and techniques.
• Sanding to the correct level, cleaning with the right solvent, and applying resin coat at the optimum temperature is critical for a lasting performance.

3. Use the correct resin

• Each brand of canoe is made with a specific resin.  We use the resin recommended by the manufacture for your canoe. 
• We carefully apply the resin to get a smooth, consistent coat without major drips.

4. No spar varnish

• We do not use spar varnish...that's for wood! 
• A varnish gives a nice shine to the canoe, temporarily covers scratches, BUT most importantly wears off in a year or so of use. 

5. Allow time for curing

• After the appropriate resin is applied to the canoe, your reconditioned canoe is brought inside overnight to set-up and cure. 
• It is recommended your canoe be kept out of the water for 2-3 days to ensure the resin is completely cured or dry.

6. Final inspection

• After the resin is applied and cures, we inspect your canoe. 
• We look, feel and remove any raised fibers and bumps that would interfere with a smooth glide when paddling.

7. Affordable and timely

• Our quality work is affordable. 
• When you drop off your canoe for reconditioning or repair we provide an estimate of cost and set a time for completion. 
• If we locate or determine additional work is required after you drop off your canoe, we contact you for authorization before anything is done. 

8. Your business is appreciated

• We know you have a choice of who will recondition or repair your canoe. Earning your business every time is a key value for us.
• You want to be proud of your canoe and we can help by doing quality work at an affordable rate.
• Our reputation is important to us. We want you to be able to say..." I chose Spirit of the Wilderness because they do great work, treated me openly and fairly."
• Lastly, you will hear a heartfelt "thank you" every time you choose Spirit of the Wilderness. Your business is appreciated!

This is how we would want to be treated. 

Contact Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitting & Outdoor Store today for all your canoeing and outfitting needs.
Phone: 800-950-2709
Email: info@elycanoetrips.com
Stop in:  2030 E. Sheridan Street Ely, MN 55731

Bear Visit, August 2013

One of our guests Donn R. provided this YouTube video of a black bear encounter on Lincoln Island, on Basswood Lake in the BWCA. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-7DyPxydX0

Thanks Donn, we will be sending you a Spirit of the Wilderness t-shirt for your contribution.

Get a t-shirt
Email Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters your photos/video and BWCA story to info@elycanoetrips.com. If we publish it on our blog we will send you a Spirit of the Wilderness t-shirt as a thank you.  Be sure to include your mailing address and shirt size.

Ely flowers are blooming

Our Ely store garden is looking a lot better this year thanks to Zone 3 Gardens, a local gardening and landscape group. They came and planted in the spring, added wood chips along the curb and have revisited a number of times removing weeds and adding more plants. Right now we have many blooming plants and the bees are visiting and doing their job.