walleye

Calm in the evening

lindastaatsphoto4 Comments

We recently returned from a trip north into Ontario, Canada. It was a chance to explore new roads and scenery, camp, and fish. This is an area of big lakes and remoteness. Towns are few and far between, and the landscape is rugged and beautiful.

We were far enough north that the sun rose before 5:00am and set after 9:15pm, with twilight extending for about an hour. The days were unusually warm and sunny, but the clouds and rain were moving in the last night. There was an amazing calm and peacefulness that settled over the sky and water, and made me ponder how this area has looked the same over so many centuries.

Fishing was good and we were successful with walleye and Northern pike, making for fresh and delicious eating. Here’s my proof – a 36″ Northern pike, the largest fish I’ve ever caught!

Sunset on the lake

lindastaatsphoto1 Comment

Mille Lacs Lake sunset 7D 1933_StaasWe were lucky to have family from Kansas visiting us in Minnesota this past weekend.  Knowing that they are all avid fishermen we decided to share some of the wonderful lake fishing we have in our state of 10,000+ lakes.  Yesterday started with some (successful) Northern Pike fishing on a small lake near the Twin Cities.  Then we headed north for an evening launch on Mille Lacs Lake.  After a day of clouds and overcast skies and even a few raindrops, we were hopeful our trip on the big lake would not be rained out.  As luck would have it, the clouds parted and  we enjoyed some sun, blue skies, and a wonderful sunset over the lake.  As luck would not have it, our fishing success was somewhat limited; one perch, and a couple of walleye that were too big to keep.  But we did keep the experience of a shared night of fun, laughter, a beautiful sunset, and the camaraderie of family and friends.  Thanks to them all for a memorable weekend!