Fishing Opener!!!

The Minnesota Fishing Opener is just days away. May 15, 2010 we will be joining many other anxious anglers to get out in the canoe or boat to kick off our 2010 fishing season. It is almost a holiday in Minnesota.

At Spirit of the Wilderness we take this day very serious. We make sure to be stocked up on all the popular lures, rods, reels and of course we have bait. Since we are closed for the winter this is always an exciting time. We measure time in when we will be getting the bait in to start the 2010 fishing season. We always carry all sorts of minnows, leeched and crawlers.

The most popular minnows in the spring depends on who you ask. Many will tell you it's all about the shiners. Others swear by the rainbow or fathead chub. We like to think of ourselves as an equal opportunity minnow employer. You know, we do train our minnows to catch fish or die trying!

No matter what bait you choose or what lure is on the end of your line we hope you have a great Fishing Opener!

P.S. Don't forget to bring in your catch or a photo of it and we will sign you up for the local fishing contest and put you on the bragging board.

Fire Restrictions

As of today, May 11, 2010 the US Forest Service still has the Boundary Waters Canoe Area under complete fire restrictions. If you are headed up to canoe and camp in the BWCA plan on having a camp stove and fuel to cook on.

The forecast is calling for some rain this week. We will have to wait and see if it is enough for the fire restrictions to change. It has been a very dry spring and moisture is still in great need. The US Forest Service keeps telling us that we will need more than just a day of rain to make any restriction changes.

Check with us here at Spirit of the Wilderness outfitters for updates. You can email us at info@elycanoetrips.com or call us at 800-950-2709 or 218-365-3149.

Minnesota Fishing License

Don't forget to pick up your Minnesota Fishing License for the Walleye Fishing opener this Saturday, May 15, 2010. The state of Minnesota has give out new touch screen computers to issue hunting and fishing licenses this year.

You must have your State Issued ID with you to purchase your license. If you have never had a license before you will also need your Social Security Number. Those of you who have had a MN license in the past will have already given your SSN.

Spring

We are starting to see the tree bud and the early spring flowers are getting close to blooming. It is still quite early for the growing season. With a little rain we should see everything get more green with each day.

We are also starting to see another sign of spring that is unique to the canoe country of Northern Minnesota...canoes on top of vehicles. We know that summer is starting when we see the canoes around town. A few people are taking advantage of the early ice out.

The Ice is out.

We have been enjoying a very early spring up here in Ely, Minnesota. The snow has been gone for a few weeks now. The ice has been out since early this week. There were a few bays that still had some ice as of Monday. After the continuation of our warmer than normal weather I'm sure that most of the ice that was around Monday is gone.

This is the earliest most of us can remember the ice going out in at least a decade. Last year we were hoping for a little warm weather to melt the ice for the fishing opener that was in mid May. We have been getting a few calls from those eager to get out paddling already this year. This is close to a month before last year.

With less snowfall this winter and early melting we are hoping for a little rain. The rain and the great sunshine we have been getting will help the early spring flowers. We are already seeing a few tulips poking through. It shouldn't be long before the trees begin to green up and the summer is in full swing.

Thanks for attending!

Thank you for stopping by the Spirit of the Wilderness booth at the Northwest Sport show this last week and weekend. We met and talked to a lot of great people.

Thank you to all of you that attended the Fishing in the Boundary Waters seminar Friday, March 26, 2010.

Keep in mind there is still time to book your BWCA or Quetico canoe trip for this summer. There are still permits open. Give us a call and we can set up your 2010 summer trip.

Fishing in the BWCA Seminar

Don't forget we will be giving a Fishing in the Boundary Waters seminar this Friday, 2 PM, March 26, 2010. We will be in one of the seminar rooms at the Northwest Sport Show.

Steve will talk about fishing tips, techniques and whatever he can to entertain you.

Can't make the fishing seminar? Stop by the Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitter's booth, #537, anytime during the show and we would love to talk to you about fishing and canoe trips.

Don't forget about the show specials. These specials are only offered when you book your trip at the show. So bring your BWCA/Quetico canoe trip dates.