Minnow Buckets Afloat at Huddle's Resort

This epic tank has been anchored at Huddle's Resort on Leech Lake, Minnesota for decades. In the 1960's minnow buckets were made of metal, now the floating plastic containers keep fresh water flowing and minnow bait alive. This same tank is or was used for attaching a stringer of fish for cleaning inside the brown shed. Numbers on the white tie-off board correspond to family cabin numbers and the hotel rooms.

In late September the fishing was poised for pick up as the weather cooled off. That particular week the water temperature was 58F. Locals wait for the thermal cline turnover that flips warmer and cooler water layers in the lake. At that time fishing generally gets favorable. Of course fishing is always better the week before or the week after my visit.

Single Seagull Spotted at Leech Lake

A single seagull watches over low breakers on Leech Lake's south shore in northern Minnesota. Each wave brings the potential for a minnow or crawfish snack. Why else would the bird be here in September's late afternoon sun? While not gliding over Regent's Park Canal, this bird will need a pal for a minute or two before flying south soon. But enough of the Red Rose Speedway references.

Early Fall Loon

A trip to Leech Lake, Minnesota at the end of September into the first few days of October experienced both summer- and winter-like conditions. While the fishing on sunny days was slow, the chance to snap a photo of wildlife was quite good. This is a adolescent loon swimming along the shore of Bear Island looking for minnows - something the walleyes failed to do.

No Wind, No Walleyes, No Problem

Anglers on Leech Lake, Minnesota last weekend could not catch a break - or nearly a walleye. As these fishing flotillas traded members between the traditional hot spots of Sugar Point, Battle Point and Ginzer Rock on the NE side of Leech the only thing that didn't materialize were the much sought after walleyes. Two days earlier the fishing was excellent. The day before the fishing was good. But on day 3 the wind stopped, thus bait fish weren't schooling and ultimately the walleyes did not arrive. As the old saying goes, a bad day fishing beats a good day at work.

A Northwoods Visit to a Painting

Last week I traveled five latitude degrees north to visit Leech Lake, Minnesota for a few days of fishing, reconnecting with family and thinking about other things than this crappy Recession/Depression. While natural light did not cooperate at this particular moment, the scene of the south shore beach road presented itself almost painting-like. A walk from the resort lodge to the historical marker on the beach was some 3/4ths mile and passed outstanding scenery including the lake, homes, beach and forest. A plus this time included leaves at peak color. Locals say the peak is a week or two ahead of time - that means an early winter. While temperatures for our gathering reached the mid-70s the forecast was for snow tonight. Wonderful.

12,000 Years of Ojibwe History Packed in One Corner

Imagine the end of the last ice age in North America. The generally accepted end of the ice sheets in the upper Midwest (Minnesota in particular) is estimated to be about 12,500 summers ago. Evidence of human activity correlates to this period.

Unexpectedly located at the Northern Lights Casino on the southside of Leech Lake, Minnesota by the town of Walker, is a corner area near the adjoining hotel which is devoted to the history of the Leech Lake Band Of Ojibwe and surrounding land.

One display contains an assortment of tools used by humans as far as 12,000 years ago. Two copper lances (numbers 1 and 5 above - click the photo to see a larger version) are estimated to be between 8,500 and 12,000 years old in what is called the Paleo Period. By comparison other humans are thought to have arrived in Ireland 9,000 years ago (7,000 BC) following its glaciation period. This means that Minnesota hosted human inhabitants before european tribes from the south and east arrived in Ireland. Interesting to say the least.

What is remarkable is the use of copper from Minnesota or nearby Michigan that was tooled to resemble stone worked points. Equally remarkable is that two of these points exist today and are displayed in this case.

The corner museum also displays more modern history and the abundance of wild life in the area. One important exhibit element is the bald eagle. These birds nest around the lake in substantial numbers and are regarded as symbolic and spiritual creatures.

This corner of Ojibwe history and culture should be put on your must see list if you visit the area. While the actual square footage is very small, the amount of information contained in the display cases and shown via a large screen monitor is well worth the effort to locate and study. Know that.

Welcome to Minnesota Waters - DNR Officers Visit 42N Country

On Tuesday a black, 90-hp Lund boat approached the 42N vessel on Leech Lake, Minnesota. Two Minnesota state conservation officers asked us to reel in and then slid up to our boat. The officers were on the third largest in-land lake in Minnesota to check fishing licenses and live-well contents. The 42N party was, of course, in compliance license-wise and did not have any fish aboard in the live-wells at the time.

The two officers came from Grand Rapids and Park Rapids, Minnesota for a day of lake patrol. Their black dog, Jack was only curious about our boat rather than aggressive.

While the officers' demeanor was polite they carefully checked our licenses and live-well thoroughly.

Had we been hostile about the situation we would have answered to a side arm or taser - not the kind of fishing trip you dream about. Know that.