Relax, there’s still some summer left!

It is the middle of August and the end of summer looms, but there’s still time. Anglers say the walleye are still in a summery mode and are most likely to be found around the submerged humps in 25 to 35 feet of water. Walleye are responding best to jigs tipped with live bait and it apparently doesn’t matter if it’s a leech, crawler or minnow. there have also been reports of crappie around the reefs and of large northern pike in the bays and around the weed beds. Anyone fishing smallmouth bass is being tight-lipped about where and how, and any success. That’s because the International Falls Bass Championship is less than a week away, pros will be pre-fishing to see if they can’t peg the best time and place to stand a chance at winning the grand prize.

We’ve seen quite a few hikers bragging about finding nice ripe berries not far from the trails and that’s about right, any late blueberries or raspberries are certainly ripe by now. Hikers are also seeing subtle signs of coming changes as fall sets in. Songbirds are done nesting and are trying to build reserves for the long migration. Forest creatures are starting to look for mast in the forest, think acorns or hazelnuts. Waterfowl and other broods are nearing adult size so they will be able to join the migration or gain the size and skills needed to winter here.

Fall will be here before you know it. The Voyageur Tour Boat will make three September trips to Kettle Falls, you can learn more by checking the events tab at the top of this page. This is a “must do” trip in Voyageurs National Park, if you have not done it…..Do It