Went fishing on Burntside Lake for Lake Trout Sunday morning. We were fishing in 30-45 feet of water, using jigs and treble hooks w/small spinner and minnow. Lakers take patience. We did not get a bite.

Ice and snow

Ice was 14-18 inches thick, but we stayed on ice roads where everyone else had driven. Still need to be careful. There was 4-6 inches of snow on the ground.  Not enough to snowmobile, but plenty for cross-country skiing on the lakes and dog sledding.

Watch for wildlife

The Pagami Creek Fire remains at 92,682 acres and is 71% contained. A fire weather watch and Red Flag warning are posted for the fire area. 

Fire activity increased in several areas of the fire with active surface fire and group tree torching. Little acreage was added to the fire but spot fires occurred in the north side near Fishdance Lake and on the east side east of Ferne and Isabella Lakes.

Windy conditions throughout the night on Friday may cause fire activity to extend into the evening hours.

At midnight Thursday night statewide fire restrictions went into effect. No campfires are allowed except in designated, developed campgrounds.

Does your Kevlar canoe show signs of past adventures? Is the fabric starting to show through the resin coating?  Are the bow or stern chipped or showing signs of wear?

Then let Spirit of the Wilderness repair holes and punctures, add skid plates or apply a fresh resin coat.

Quality work

We have been repairing canoes since 1999 with excellent results. Our patching blends in with the original surface. we use the correct resins! Our resin coating techniques have stood the test of time. Our customers report a resin coat lasting 5-7 years.

We received a written notice from the MN DNR indicating we will not be able to issue fishing licenses or recreational vehicle/boat registrations after July 1, 2011 if Govenor Dayton and the State Legislators do not agree to a state budget by Thursday June 30, 2011. 

All licensing agents in Minnesota, including Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters, Ely MN, are able to issue licenses until June 30.

Don't get caught without a fishing license if fishing the BWCA or Ely area lakes.

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitter and Bait Shop has received it's first delivery of live bait. We have rainbows, fatheads and crappie minnows as well as night crawlers.

Leeches and other types of minnows will arrive next week in time for the May 14 fishing opener.

Call us ahead of your arrival and we will have your bait ready and waiting for you.

Call us at 800-950-2709.

Bait tip

Temper your minnows before placing it in your bait bucket or boat live well. Simply place your oxygen bagged bait in the lake, it will float, and allow it to reach the lake water temperature.  It only takes a few minute and your bait will last longer.

With fishing opener coming up May 14, there is a lot of interest in ice conditions. This also a time to remember to be safe on while on the water. Please wear your life jacket (PFD) everytime you are in your boat on the water.

The USFS has provided the following ice-out reports after doing fly-over observation of area lakes and road condition report:

Kawishiwi Area (Ely area) Ice Report as of 5/4 at 10:00am
Main lakes with 50% ice:

The portages are still long and the ground remains white. Today we have 3-4 inches on the ground. Actually thought Spring was here.

It's still a guess is when will the ice go out on most of the lakes? Historically, the last week of April.is a good guess.

Opening activities

We start the store opening process this week. New canoes will be delivered to Ely mid-week, we begin moving boats out of storage, clean carpets, and start up the bait system and more.  Seems like the start of the season is coming fast.

Permits

Spring is getting closer and closer in Ely, MN.  We have had warmer days this last week.  There is still a bit of snow out there, but every day it melts a little more.  It is staying light out longer and longer each day.  What a great feeling!

Last year, in 2010, we had a very early ice out.  The ice was off the lakes about a month early.  So far this year, we still have pretty thick ice conditions on the lakes.  We are hoping for a more normal ice out near the end of April or beginning of May.

It won't be too much longer until we see canoes headed to the lakes for another season of BWCA canoe and camping trips.