Due to my recent broken arm and tendon surgery I was not ready to participate in the traditional fishing opener here in Minnesota. I was close but not completely operational a few weeks ago. But thanks to my physical therapy (and a late spring) it was time to test my hand and my fishing skills. We headed north yesterday to a beautiful lake in Cass County, Big Rice Lake. The weather was iffy – possible showers, possible storms, possible sun (in other words, nobody could really predict what it would be). We loaded up the canoe with layers of jackets and rain coats, sunscreen, rods, reels, and good humor. What we were greeted with could not have been expected — a wonderfully calm day with hardly a ripple across the surface of the lake. We were enveloped by a beautiful sky which seemed even more immense as it was reflected in the still lake surface. The clouds danced on the water as we drifted along. A few hours later we’d seen red-winged blackbirds protecting their nests, heard the call of loons from various corners of the lake, gotten a little bit sunburned, and caught our limit of northerns. And after we’d packed up our gear and fish, loaded the canoe back onto the car, and left the boat landing the rain began to come down.
fishing
Earning my fishing license
Yes, I’m finally earning my Minnesota fishing license this year. Last week we were catching northern pike on a northern Minnesota lake. Today we ventured south of the Twin Cities in search of bullheads. Prior to this I don’t believe I’d even heard of bullheads let alone known what they looked like. As it turns out, they’re a bottom feeder similar to catfish. Although they aren’t very big I’ve learned they do like to flop around a lot. On a beautiful sunny early afternoon we headed out on the lake, accompanied by pelicans circling overhead. We paddled our canoe to a likely area for bullhead success. Within a few minutes we had our first bullhead on the line, followed by another and another. Our success was measured by a total of 11 bullheads. I have yet to eat one so I can’t attest to their flavor, but I can say that the fishing adventure was great fun and a delightful way to spend time in the outdoors on a lovely lake.
It was a dark & stormy night
We headed north this weekend for a little fishing trip — one that was full of delights and surprises. We were tent camping and were fortunate to find a beautiful campsite on the shore of a northern lake. As we drifted to sleep last night we were serenaded by a chorus of frogs and loons. And yet in the middle of the night a storm moved through, bringing lightning and thunder, wind, and rain. I lay wide awake in the tent, imagining a worst-case scenario and worrying about what we would do. Luckily the worst of the dark & stormy night was off in the distance and what I was imagining didn’t develop. When we awoke this morning we were greeted with summer temperatures, a calm lake, and clearing skies. Today was beautiful for fishing. With blue skies, white clouds, clear water, and the serenade of red-winged blackbirds and loons, we were successful in catching a “slug” of northern pike. After having lived here in Minnesota for almost four years I’m appreciating even more the specialness and richness of our 10,000 plus lakes.
Fishing success
The ice is out, spring has sprung, and fishing season has begun once again in Minnesota. And this year I’ve joined the ranks of Minnesotans with a fishing license! To be honest, the last time I was fishing was when I was about 13 years old. But, like riding a bike, it’s something that comes back to you (along with some good coaching too!). Paddling against wind gusts up to 30 mph and battling the whitecaps, we put our canoe into Peltier Lake and proceeded to the calmer shore and threw in our fishing lines. After awhile without any bites, we moved to where a small river enters the lake. The water was pretty shallow, the sun was nearly ready to set, and the fish were biting! Within about ten minutes we had caught 6 crappies! Now that’s an exciting way to fish, and with that success I’m excited to try it again. Yes, I know fishing isn’t always that rewarding, but it’s a delightful way to spend a warm evening outside. (And the crappies were delicious the following night for dinner!)
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