Boundary Waters Blog

     I really like winter when I am dressed properly for it.  Long johns beneath fleece pants covered by snow pants and mukluks to protect my feet keep my bottom half toasty.  A couple of layers of shirts, a big parka, hat, neck gator and warm mittens keep my top half warm.  It can be below zero and windy and I won't be cold.

     Compare that to a day when it's almost thirty degrees but I'm only wearing a pair of jeans, fashionable snow boots and a regular winter coat on top of a sweater.  Without a hat and wearing a pair of light gloves I shiver uncontrollably and curse the cold of winter. 

     It's crazy how uncomfortable the cold can be and how comfortable it can be.  Cross country skiing when it's 5 above zero I will sweat but standing still when it's in the 20's I'll freeze.  Wearing the right clothes makes all the difference between not liking winter and loving it.

     Just thought I would share this information from the Minnesota DNR about ice fishing. 

DNR talking trash

(Released January 25, 2010)

 

For many Minnesotans there is nothing like walking on a frozen lake, carving a hole and pulling up an elusive fish from the depths below. When word gets out that there’s a good fish bite on a lake, ice anglers descend on the spot. Often that pristine environment becomes littered with bottles, cans, cigarette butts, or worse.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers say the biggest problem is identifying the perpetrators.

“Lakes are normally ringed by fish houses this time of year so conservation officers find it challenging to identify who is leaving trash on a lake,” said Capt. Ken Soring, DNR Enforcement northeast regional manager in Grand Rapids. “Another factor is the wind, which makes it difficult to prove where the trash came from. And we just don’t have enough conservation officers to thoroughly enforce litter laws.”

 

Litter is a petty misdemeanor criminal charge with a fine of up to $300.

Conservation officers also have Solid Waste Civil Citation authority. These civil citations are “by the pound” or “by the cubic foot” penalties, and since they are not criminal charges, they don’t require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The person suspected of littering must pay the penalty and clean up the mess.

Conservation officers on Lake Mille Lacs utilize a blaze orange “notice” door tag with a label pasted on the back that essentially asks people to take their litter and blocking materials with them. Officers place the tag on fish houses, especially those that have litter around them. The tag also mentions the statute and potential penalty for violating the law.

“Officers will be documenting houses that have litter around them or look like they may be abandoned,” said Lt. Rita Frenzel, Lake Mille Lacs District Enforcement supervisor. “Given the size of Mille Lacs and the number of houses, this may be somewhat hit and miss. But we will be diligent in pursuing litter cases.” She noted officers will also be talking to resort owners about removing blocking material and remnants of ice bridges discarded on lakes.

The DNR offers the following tips to keep Minnesota waterways clean:

• Set an example for others, especially children, by not littering.
• Properly dispose of tangled fishing line to prevent wildlife from being trapped and injured.
• It is unlawful to dispose of ice fishing shacks anywhere in the state. Check with local refuse provider or landfill for disposal.
• Litter is a costly problem that we all end up paying for to keep our roadways, parks, and waterways clean. The act of littering not only hurts our pocketbooks, but it also causes  harm to our environment in many ways.
• Keep a litter bag or trash container in your fish house, dark house, or shelter.
• Secure trash container covers to prevent wind or animals from spreading litter.
• Cover and secure any vehicle, truck, or trailer carrying refuse.
• When visiting any recreation area, make sure to leave the area clean for the next person to enjoy.

 

Ice anglers: Have fun, follow rules

(Released February 2, 2010)

 

With a month of ice fishing patrols behind them, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers have seen some violation patterns and offer a few tips to anglers for staying citation-free.

Officers say that the three most common violations are too many lines, no fishing license in possession and overlimit.

“The real message is that good fishing is still happening around the state,” said CO Jeff Birchem of Baudette. “So get out there and enjoy the great resources that Minnesota has to offer, follow the rules, and be safe!”

• Minnesota, anglers are allowed to use two lines in the winter, except on trout lakes where only one line is allowed.

• Anglers must have a valid Minnesota fishing license in their possession while fishing.

• Anglers should take a little extra time to familiarize themselves with the regulations that are relevant to the lake you’re fishing.

• Fish with statewide length limits, such as muskie, sturgeon, catfish, salmon, splake, brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, must be transported with head and tail intact so the fish can be measured. Northern pike and walleye are exempt from this rule. Sauger that are dressed or filleted will be counted as walleye.

• Likewise, when on or fishing experimental, special, border or other waters with size restrictions different from statewide regulations, all fish for which the size restriction applies must have their heads, tails, fins, and skin intact and be measurable. The exception is fillets, which may be possessed if the person is preparing a meal, or if the fillets have been packaged by a licensed fish packer.

     Yesterday morning after I returned from the bus stop I decided I just had to go skiing.  There wasn't a breeze in the air and the temperature was mild at 10 degrees above zero.  I drove down to the Cross River to access the Upper Gunflint System ski trails.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the trails had just been groomed and were in perfect shape. 

    It was a beautiful morning with the sun rising behind the hills.  The trees were flocked with snow and they sparkled with the golden rays.  It was quiet as only winter can be.  I could hear the wings of the ravens beat overhead and the howl of a wolf in the distance. 

     As I rounded a corner a lone wolf stood in the middle of the trail.  He looked my way and then sauntered off as I fumbled to get my camera out of my pocket.  I called for him to come back and whistled but he didn't return. 

     The Gunflint Trail is such a magical place and I am so lucky to live here.

     In the winter I like weekends because the kids are off from school and I get to sleep in and spend time with them.  In the summer it doesn't matter if it's Monday or Saturday as all of the days are work days.  It's nice to have the weekend to look forward to.

     This weekend finds us in Duluth, MN for another hockey tournament.  There's also a Lady Bulldog hockey game this evening when they will face the U of M Gophers.  Should be a good game for those folks who want to see even more hockey(my family with the exception of me perhaps).

     I am looking forward to next weekend in particular.  It marks the beginning of the kid's winter break from school.  We have no plans except to stick around home and enjoy winter on the Gunflint Trail.  Do some snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing and maybe some snowshoeing.  It should be a great time. 

     Hope you all make the most of your weekend and have a good one!

     If you're as lucky as Larry on Saganaga and catch a 30 pound Lake Trout during Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend you'll have your free lunch.  Not sure where Larry caught it or with what but I can't imagine pulling a fish like that out through the ice.  Good Job Larry. 

     If you want to do some fishing and can't afford a license then just find a kid and take them ice fishing next weekend.

Minnesotans age 16 or older fish free with kids Feb. 13-15

(Released February 2, 2010)

 

Minnesotans age 16 or older can try ice fishing without purchasing an angling license if they take a child younger than 16 fishing during Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend on Saturday, Feb. 13, through Monday, Feb. 15.

“This is an opportunity to get outdoors with friends and family and connect with nature,” said Mike Kurre, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mentoring program coordinator. “And there are a number of opportunities for people to learn how.”

Several Minnesota state parks are offering Take-A-Kid Ice fishing clinics during this special weekend. The clinics offer an indoor presentation on ice fishing safety, gear and techniques.
But participants should dress for the weather because ice fishing will be part of the fun at most clinics. Kids also will make their own jiggle sticks, which they can take home with them.

Clinics are being offered Saturday, Feb. 13, at Lake Bronson near Hallock, Lake Carlos near Alexandria and Bear Head Lake near Ely. Lake Bemidji State Park offers a Berrrmidji Kids’ Ice Fishing event on Sunday, Feb. 14. Kids ages 8-15 can join the Lake Bemidji State Park naturalist for an afternoon of perch fishing on Lake Bemidji.

Fort Snelling State Park in the metro area offers a Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend warm up with a hands-on Parent/Child Ice Fishing Clinic on Saturday, Feb. 6. Hayes Lake State Park near Warroad offers its Ice Fishing Clinic on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Participants must register for events by contacting the appropriate state park. A daily or annual vehicle permit is required to enter state parks.

Unlike summertime shore fishing, ice fishing presents some unique challenges.

Here are key ice fishing tips from the DNR’s MinnAqua program, which is designed to teach angling recreation and stewardship as well as the ecology and conservation of aquatic habitats:

• Dressing in layers is the best way to deal with winter’s icy chill. Layers keep you warm in even the coldest conditions by creating pockets of warm air and helping moisture evaporate.

• Plopping an ice shelter down in the middle of ice shack city on a nearby lake doesn’t guarantee success. Noise and traffic often spook fish, so find a private hole off by yourself. If that’s not an option, keep to the outside ring of these “cities on ice.”

• Try different jigging styles. If a slow, methodical jigging motion isn’t working, try an aggressive one - or try a lift-and-drop technique.

More tips are available online.

The MinnAqua program also works with the “Ice Team”, a group of manufactures who help educate anglers by providing expert volunteers, hands-on activities and equipment for schools, events and mentoring organizations. They also provide ice fishing tips, helpful links, basic ice safety information and fun stuff for kids to keep them busy on the ice.

“There’s no better time to introduce somebody to the world of ice fishing than the long holiday weekend,” Kurre said. “Help a youngster enjoy the beauty of a Minnesota winter and make a lasting memory.”

Kurre and Mike “Smitty” Smith from the “Ice Team” share insights and information about kids, mentoring and ice fishing in an online podcast audio program available on the DNR Web site by clicking here.

 

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