We all went to bed late last night since Rick and I didn't get back from the airport until after midnight, so we slept in late this morning. I got up around 9:30 a.m. to a steady rain, grey skies, a temperature of 50 degrees and light winds out of the east at 5-8 mph.
The rain, and the previous days of sun, have made the tiny buds on the trees explode into bright green leaves and the grass too has turned a brilliant shade of emerald. It's as if we're in the middle of some fairy tale land where everything is shining green.
After coffee and breakfast, Kathleen and I spent some time going through a pile of old photos, some more than 20 years old, putting them into various categories (by person) in hopes of getting them into photo albums at some point. Rick spent some time trying to figure out why our brand new HP printer -- which we just bought last summer -- refuses to print. I've found that over the years the quality and reliability of HP's printers has gone downhill significantly. A once proud brand is now just middle of the road.
One of the big projects that I have to address during my stay is the repair of the wall around the harbor at the house. Over the years, water has drained down behind the wall, and then during periods of thawing and freezing, the ice has pushed the wall inward toward the harbor, and has heaved up the cement walkway that encircles the harbor. I've contacted an outfit out of Federal Dam -- WC Excavating -- about doing a complete repair job. They'll have to remove all the cement walkway, put in a tile drain, sewer rock, gravel, rewire some of the electrical work, and of course realign the harbor walls using cable jacks and chain. I'm expecting an estimate for that work some time next week.
At 1:30 p.m. the rain was coming down even harder. It's been a steady or hard rain now for at least 5 or 6 hours straight. I bet we've had more than an inch of rain, maybe even two. The temperature hasn't budged from 50 degrees, and the wind has pretty much died down to an occasional breeze out of the east.
As I watched two fishermen in a Ranger boat through the binoculars something in the foreground caught my eye. I quickly adjusted the focus of the binos and saw three beavers swimming from in front of out house toward the cabin. They better stay away from our birch trees!
Rick and I just got back from Birch Ridge Resort where Rick bought a Minnesota fishing license and we picked up two dozen shiners. It is still raining steadily, and the temperature hasn't moved from 50 degrees. A cool, wet day.
I listened to a Prairie Home Companion on the radio as I made potato salad to go along with the BBQ ribs for dinner. After dinner Rick and I went fishing.
The rain had finally stopped and from about 5:30 p.m. to sunset the sun was actually out. A welcome sight after a full day of rain. The temperature also reached its highest of the day at right around 60 degrees. The wind was light at 5-8 mph out of the east.
As is our typical pattern for evening fishing, both Rick and I pulled crankbaits in 10 feet of water from Malay's to the north, and south past Second Duck Point. I caught a northern, and Rick caught two walleyes, one 18 inches which went back into the lake, and another one that measured 17 1/2 inches which we kept. We may have walleye for lunch tomorrow before Kathleen leaves to go back to St. Cloud.
It was nice to finally get some good sized walleye in the boat. I'm sure Rick and I will do more fishing tomorrow. Until then, good night from Leech Lake.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
May 20, 2011 -- On Leech Lake
This morning at 10:00 a.m. Jerry Schiebe and Butch Bader (from Peterson Excavating) stopped by to look at the harbor wall to see how we can make repairs. Water has seeped in behind the wall and has pushed it out toward the harbor and in the process has heaved the cement walkway upward. From what Butch tells me, it should be a fairly simple thing to fix once we bust up the cement and have it removed. I need to figure out if Rick and I will do that, if I'll have Mark from Shore Brothers do that, or if I'll just have Peterson's do the entire thing.
The temperature at noon is 65 degrees, the sky is grey and overcast, the wind is light at 5-8 mph out of the east, it's a bit humid and feels like it might rain. There is a 50% chance of rain today.
Kathleen is wrapping up some phone calls relating to the care of her Mom, but after that I think we're going to go on a bike ride. And later today, at just before 11:00 p.m., my friend Rick, from Australia, will be arriving at the Bemidji airport for a couple of week stay. I'll leave here around 10:00 p.m. to pick him up.
We went on a bike ride doing the "loop" from W. Shores Rd. to Sucker Bay Rd. to Ottertail Point Rd. to 26th and then back home. Along the way we had a couple of "stop and chats," one with Ron Geppart and his wife and the second with Rome Von Rossum. It's always nice to catch up with our peninsula neighbors.
Once home I decided to go fishing while Kathleen ate some lunch and took care of many more emails and phone calls.
The weather was grey and overcast as I pushed off the boat lift, and no sooner did I start up the motor than it started to sprinkle. The water temperature was 60 degrees and the air temp was around 68. The wind was still out of the ESE at 8-12 mph, with occasional gusts up around 20 mph.
I started near Second Duck Point using a Northland Mimic Minnow spin, and caught nothing. I went around the point near the weeds and shoreline, but again came up empty. After an hour of no fish, and on-again off-again rain, I went home.
After dinner Kathleen and I listened to the Sharks vs. Canucks Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals online, but after the 2nd period I had to leave to pick up Rick at the airport.
On my way to the Bemidji airport Kathleen called to tell me that the Sharks beat the Canucks 4-3 to now trail in the series 2-1. Game 4 is on Sunday.
I picked Rick up at the airport and we drove back to the lake, arriving at just after midnight. We stayed up for an hour or so, and then we all went to bed. More from Leech Lake tomorrow.
The temperature at noon is 65 degrees, the sky is grey and overcast, the wind is light at 5-8 mph out of the east, it's a bit humid and feels like it might rain. There is a 50% chance of rain today.
Kathleen is wrapping up some phone calls relating to the care of her Mom, but after that I think we're going to go on a bike ride. And later today, at just before 11:00 p.m., my friend Rick, from Australia, will be arriving at the Bemidji airport for a couple of week stay. I'll leave here around 10:00 p.m. to pick him up.
We went on a bike ride doing the "loop" from W. Shores Rd. to Sucker Bay Rd. to Ottertail Point Rd. to 26th and then back home. Along the way we had a couple of "stop and chats," one with Ron Geppart and his wife and the second with Rome Von Rossum. It's always nice to catch up with our peninsula neighbors.
Once home I decided to go fishing while Kathleen ate some lunch and took care of many more emails and phone calls.
The weather was grey and overcast as I pushed off the boat lift, and no sooner did I start up the motor than it started to sprinkle. The water temperature was 60 degrees and the air temp was around 68. The wind was still out of the ESE at 8-12 mph, with occasional gusts up around 20 mph.
I started near Second Duck Point using a Northland Mimic Minnow spin, and caught nothing. I went around the point near the weeds and shoreline, but again came up empty. After an hour of no fish, and on-again off-again rain, I went home.
After dinner Kathleen and I listened to the Sharks vs. Canucks Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals online, but after the 2nd period I had to leave to pick up Rick at the airport.
On my way to the Bemidji airport Kathleen called to tell me that the Sharks beat the Canucks 4-3 to now trail in the series 2-1. Game 4 is on Sunday.
I picked Rick up at the airport and we drove back to the lake, arriving at just after midnight. We stayed up for an hour or so, and then we all went to bed. More from Leech Lake tomorrow.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
May 19, 2011 -- On Leech Lake
At 9:00 a.m. this morning the temperature was already 56 degrees and I could just tell it was going to be a warm day at Leech Lake. The sky was mostly sunny, with just a few billowy clouds, and the wind was 5-10 mph out of the ESE.
Kathleen spent most of the morning dealing with some work issues online, and then making some calls related to her mom's care. I had a work call myself, so both of us were busy until just after noon.
I decided to do some fishing, even the wind was from the east making "the fishing the least," and Kathleen decided to take an early afternoon run.
I fished using Northland eyeball jigs tipped with shiners, but could only catch 3 smallish perch. I saw a couple of other boats on the water, but never once saw any of them boat a fish. Fishing was slow.
I came ashore around 2:00 p.m. and decided to fire up the ATV and take a little ride. I need a new battery for the ATV so I had to use the pull cord to start it up. On my ride I came across Kathleen just north of Harbor Rd. It was a hot, humid afternoon, with temps in the mid-70s, and she was sweating and dragging just a bit. She's used to running in the late afternoon or early evening when the air is cooler.
When we both arrived at home we did some yard work at the cabin. Kathleen raked out the flower beds, while I used a wire brush to clean off our "love seat swing," which I'll water proof or stain once I get into town to buy the right product.
We had a quiet evening after dinner, just sitting around listening to music, talking and playing dominoes. Later we watched a Woody Allen movie, then called it a night. We had another fun-filled day at Leech Lake.
Kathleen spent most of the morning dealing with some work issues online, and then making some calls related to her mom's care. I had a work call myself, so both of us were busy until just after noon.
I decided to do some fishing, even the wind was from the east making "the fishing the least," and Kathleen decided to take an early afternoon run.
I fished using Northland eyeball jigs tipped with shiners, but could only catch 3 smallish perch. I saw a couple of other boats on the water, but never once saw any of them boat a fish. Fishing was slow.
I came ashore around 2:00 p.m. and decided to fire up the ATV and take a little ride. I need a new battery for the ATV so I had to use the pull cord to start it up. On my ride I came across Kathleen just north of Harbor Rd. It was a hot, humid afternoon, with temps in the mid-70s, and she was sweating and dragging just a bit. She's used to running in the late afternoon or early evening when the air is cooler.
When we both arrived at home we did some yard work at the cabin. Kathleen raked out the flower beds, while I used a wire brush to clean off our "love seat swing," which I'll water proof or stain once I get into town to buy the right product.
We had a quiet evening after dinner, just sitting around listening to music, talking and playing dominoes. Later we watched a Woody Allen movie, then called it a night. We had another fun-filled day at Leech Lake.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
May 18, 2011 -- At Leech Lake
For the second straight day the wind has been blowing out of the ESE, rather strange from my experience here at Leech Lake. The wind wasn't strong, maybe 8-10 mph. The sky is clear blue and sunny and the temperature at 9:00 a.m. was 50 degrees; it's supposed to get up over 70 degrees by later in the afternoon.
By 11:00 a.m., the wind had shifted to a more common 8-10 mph out of the SW. The temperature increased to the mid-50s and the birds were serenading us with their variety of songs and tunes. We've placed oranges, which we cut in half, on the railing of our back porch to attract the orioles. Today we've had probably a half dozen visit us for a taste of that sweet citrus.
Kathleen and I ate lunch on our back porch and waited to hear from Kathleen's sister-in-law, Sandy, about Kathleen's mom's doctor's appointment. If Marge needs additional therapy, Kathleen would need to leave Leech Lake later this afternoon and make the drive down to St. Cloud. I'm hoping that Marge is fine for many reasons, not the least of which is Kathleen would be able to stay here at the lake if all goes well.
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Update: At 1:25 p.m. Kathleen received a text message from Sandy saying all is well with Marge and there is no need for Kathleen to leave for St. Cloud; at least not for the next several days. To celebrate, Kathleen and I went on bike ride.
We rode our Schwinns down W. Shores Rd. to 26th, then down Ottertail Point Rd. all the way to the end. Along the way we stopped at the development at Duck Point Woods and rode out on the boardwalk to the boats slips. We skipped stones along the shore and in doing so, startled a female mallard duck who took off from her nest. I looked to see where she had flown from and sure enough, found her nest, in which must have been 10 or more eggs (pictured here).
Mallard eggs near Duck Point, Sucker Bay, Leech Lake
On our way back from the boardwalk at Duck Point Woods, Kathleen spotted an eagle aerie in a tall tree. In it was a bald eagle. Obviously we couldn't see inside the very large nest, but we assumed that like the mallard, the bald eagle was guarding her eggs.
As we rode toward home we also saw a painted turtle crossing the road, also probably on her way to laying her eggs, several goldfinch, pelicans and other interesting birds.
When we got home we were hungry so we had some lunch. I decided a rest in the hammock was in order and laid in the warm afternoon sun.
At 6:25 p.m. Kathleen went for a run. The temperature was still near 70 degrees, the wind was light out of the ESE at 5-8 mph. The western sky has a yellowish hue as the sun drops toward the horizon.
I will most likely not go fishing tonight because I want to be with Kathleen since she has limited time here at Leech Lake. We've talked about having a fire in the fire pit over at the cabin after dinner.
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After dinner I walked next door to the cabin and got a fire going in the fire pit. A short time later Kathleen came over with all the ingredients for s'mores. We enjoyed the fire, listened to the loons calling on the lake, played some ping pong in the game room, ate s'mores and then put out the fire and came home.
No fishing on Leech Lake today, but a wonderful day just the same.
By 11:00 a.m., the wind had shifted to a more common 8-10 mph out of the SW. The temperature increased to the mid-50s and the birds were serenading us with their variety of songs and tunes. We've placed oranges, which we cut in half, on the railing of our back porch to attract the orioles. Today we've had probably a half dozen visit us for a taste of that sweet citrus.
Kathleen and I ate lunch on our back porch and waited to hear from Kathleen's sister-in-law, Sandy, about Kathleen's mom's doctor's appointment. If Marge needs additional therapy, Kathleen would need to leave Leech Lake later this afternoon and make the drive down to St. Cloud. I'm hoping that Marge is fine for many reasons, not the least of which is Kathleen would be able to stay here at the lake if all goes well.
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Update: At 1:25 p.m. Kathleen received a text message from Sandy saying all is well with Marge and there is no need for Kathleen to leave for St. Cloud; at least not for the next several days. To celebrate, Kathleen and I went on bike ride.
We rode our Schwinns down W. Shores Rd. to 26th, then down Ottertail Point Rd. all the way to the end. Along the way we stopped at the development at Duck Point Woods and rode out on the boardwalk to the boats slips. We skipped stones along the shore and in doing so, startled a female mallard duck who took off from her nest. I looked to see where she had flown from and sure enough, found her nest, in which must have been 10 or more eggs (pictured here).
Mallard eggs near Duck Point, Sucker Bay, Leech Lake
On our way back from the boardwalk at Duck Point Woods, Kathleen spotted an eagle aerie in a tall tree. In it was a bald eagle. Obviously we couldn't see inside the very large nest, but we assumed that like the mallard, the bald eagle was guarding her eggs.
As we rode toward home we also saw a painted turtle crossing the road, also probably on her way to laying her eggs, several goldfinch, pelicans and other interesting birds.
When we got home we were hungry so we had some lunch. I decided a rest in the hammock was in order and laid in the warm afternoon sun.
At 6:25 p.m. Kathleen went for a run. The temperature was still near 70 degrees, the wind was light out of the ESE at 5-8 mph. The western sky has a yellowish hue as the sun drops toward the horizon.
I will most likely not go fishing tonight because I want to be with Kathleen since she has limited time here at Leech Lake. We've talked about having a fire in the fire pit over at the cabin after dinner.
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After dinner I walked next door to the cabin and got a fire going in the fire pit. A short time later Kathleen came over with all the ingredients for s'mores. We enjoyed the fire, listened to the loons calling on the lake, played some ping pong in the game room, ate s'mores and then put out the fire and came home.
No fishing on Leech Lake today, but a wonderful day just the same.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
May 17, 2011 -- On Leech Lake
Kathleen and I woke to a beautiful morning at Leech Lake. The temperature was almost 50 degrees, on its way to a high of 70, the sky was bright, sunny, blue and clear, and the wind was a gentle 5-8 mph out of the ESE.
After enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee and some breakfast, we went outside for the day. Our first activity was a boat ride. The surface of Sucker Bay was nearly calm, not good for walleye fishing, but perfect for a relaxing boat ride. We headed south past Second Duck Point toward Duck Point and went as far as the old "Al Capone" house (yes, the gangster himself is rumored to have spent quite a bit of time on Leech Lake escaping the heat in Chicago). We then headed back home.
Once on shore, we decided to go for a bike ride. A couple of years ago Kathleen's mom gave us two old Schwinn bikes, a boys and a girls model. The elder Coyles bought the bikes in the late 1960s or early 70s, and were in need of a little maintenance. I took them to a bike shop in Bemidji and a couple of days late they were like new. It pays to buy quality. Here are two bikes that are more than 40 years old and they are in fantastic condition.
Kathleen and I rode those old Schwinns down W. Shores Rd., to 26th to Ottertail Point Rd. to Sucker Bay Rd. and then past the community center and back down W. Shores Rd. A total of 6 wonderful miles. The sky was incredibly blue today, and the pale yellow-green leaves of the just budding trees looked amazing against the azure sky.
After our bike ride Kathleen and I did several hours of yard work. It is great to be outside working together. We cleaned out all of the flower beds, trimmed back some plants, pulled weeds, planted some blueberry bushes, watered and other lawn/plant maintenance.
I also took a little time to put together the hammock and pull out the chaise lounge chairs, which are now situated on the lakeside lawn facing Sucker Bay. Maybe we'll watch the sunset outside today, since it's warm and there still no bugs (especially no mosquitoes).
With the sun having set, Kathleen and I enjoyed some quiet time talking and listening to classical music in our living room. It was a perfect ending to a great day.
After enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee and some breakfast, we went outside for the day. Our first activity was a boat ride. The surface of Sucker Bay was nearly calm, not good for walleye fishing, but perfect for a relaxing boat ride. We headed south past Second Duck Point toward Duck Point and went as far as the old "Al Capone" house (yes, the gangster himself is rumored to have spent quite a bit of time on Leech Lake escaping the heat in Chicago). We then headed back home.
Once on shore, we decided to go for a bike ride. A couple of years ago Kathleen's mom gave us two old Schwinn bikes, a boys and a girls model. The elder Coyles bought the bikes in the late 1960s or early 70s, and were in need of a little maintenance. I took them to a bike shop in Bemidji and a couple of days late they were like new. It pays to buy quality. Here are two bikes that are more than 40 years old and they are in fantastic condition.
Kathleen and I rode those old Schwinns down W. Shores Rd., to 26th to Ottertail Point Rd. to Sucker Bay Rd. and then past the community center and back down W. Shores Rd. A total of 6 wonderful miles. The sky was incredibly blue today, and the pale yellow-green leaves of the just budding trees looked amazing against the azure sky.
After our bike ride Kathleen and I did several hours of yard work. It is great to be outside working together. We cleaned out all of the flower beds, trimmed back some plants, pulled weeds, planted some blueberry bushes, watered and other lawn/plant maintenance.
I also took a little time to put together the hammock and pull out the chaise lounge chairs, which are now situated on the lakeside lawn facing Sucker Bay. Maybe we'll watch the sunset outside today, since it's warm and there still no bugs (especially no mosquitoes).
With the sun having set, Kathleen and I enjoyed some quiet time talking and listening to classical music in our living room. It was a perfect ending to a great day.
Monday, May 16, 2011
May 16, 2011 -- On Leech Lake
The temperature this morning at 8:30 a.m. was 46 degrees on its way to 51 by noon. The sky was clear, blue and sunny, with just some hazy type clouds on the western horizon. The had shifted over night and was now coming out of the SW at 5-8 mph. It was beautiful day, and there were already nearly 20 boats in front of our house by 10:00 a.m.
Tim and Jackson needed to go home today and wanted to hit the road by noon, so just after 10:00 a.m. we got in the boat for one last trip before they had to leave. The water temperature had warmed to 54 degrees.
Again we used Northland eyeball jigs tipped with shiners. We all caught several medium-sized perch, but no walleye.
We came ashore by 11:45 a.m. and just after noon Tim and Jackson were backing out of the driveway. No long goodbyes, that's for sure.
I spoke with Kathleen this morning and there is a possibility that she will come up to Leech Lake later today. But with her mother still needing constant care, I'd say that the odds of seeing Kathleen are no more than 50-50. I'd sure like to see her, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
A repair man from Culligan Water is out at our house and cabin replacing all of the filters in our reverse osmosis drinking water system. The filters should be changed every year, but it's been probably four since I last had them replaced. Oh well, time flies by up here.
A couple of days ago Jackson caught a very big 12" jumbo perch which we kept hoping to add others to the basket. But since we didn't catch any other perch of merit, nor any walleye, I took the one big jumbo in my basket and added it to the Newman's. They've probably got 12-14 nice jumbos ready to clean and eat.
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Well, joy of joys, Kathleen called and said she was on Hwy. 371 near Camp Ripley on her way to Leech Lake. She arrived at the lake house just after 5:00 p.m. After unloading groceries and a quick tour of the compound, Kathleen and I took a walk down to the beaver pond, and at that point she ran down to the community center and back while I turned and walked home. For me I had a brisk 2-mile walk and she had a 6-mile round trip run.
When Kathleen got back from her run we sat on the back deck and watched the sunset over Sucker Bay. It was a beautiful site and very relaxing.
Until tomorrow...
Tim and Jackson needed to go home today and wanted to hit the road by noon, so just after 10:00 a.m. we got in the boat for one last trip before they had to leave. The water temperature had warmed to 54 degrees.
Again we used Northland eyeball jigs tipped with shiners. We all caught several medium-sized perch, but no walleye.
We came ashore by 11:45 a.m. and just after noon Tim and Jackson were backing out of the driveway. No long goodbyes, that's for sure.
I spoke with Kathleen this morning and there is a possibility that she will come up to Leech Lake later today. But with her mother still needing constant care, I'd say that the odds of seeing Kathleen are no more than 50-50. I'd sure like to see her, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
A repair man from Culligan Water is out at our house and cabin replacing all of the filters in our reverse osmosis drinking water system. The filters should be changed every year, but it's been probably four since I last had them replaced. Oh well, time flies by up here.
A couple of days ago Jackson caught a very big 12" jumbo perch which we kept hoping to add others to the basket. But since we didn't catch any other perch of merit, nor any walleye, I took the one big jumbo in my basket and added it to the Newman's. They've probably got 12-14 nice jumbos ready to clean and eat.
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Well, joy of joys, Kathleen called and said she was on Hwy. 371 near Camp Ripley on her way to Leech Lake. She arrived at the lake house just after 5:00 p.m. After unloading groceries and a quick tour of the compound, Kathleen and I took a walk down to the beaver pond, and at that point she ran down to the community center and back while I turned and walked home. For me I had a brisk 2-mile walk and she had a 6-mile round trip run.
When Kathleen got back from her run we sat on the back deck and watched the sunset over Sucker Bay. It was a beautiful site and very relaxing.
Until tomorrow...
Sunday, May 15, 2011
May 15, 2011 -- On Leech Lake
At 8:00 a.m. this morning the temperature was already a relatively warm 42 degrees, the sky was perfectly clear, blue and sunny, and the wind was out of the NE at 10-15 mph. There were about a dozen boats scattered from Second Duck Point to our cabin, all trying to get the jump on an early Sunday morning walleye bite.
At 10:30 a.m. Tim, Jackson and I put on some jackets and warm clothes and made our way to the cabin in order to launch the boat and do some fishing of our own. The wind was still blowing around 15 mph, so the waves made it tricky to get the boat off the lift. I asked Tim and Jackson to help steady the boat as I lowered it into the water.
I didn't see exactly what happened, but when I looked up, Tim had his hands on the inside roof of the boat lift and his feet were on the gunwale of the boat as the boat was backing out of the lift. I expected Tim to let go of the lift, but instead he just kept getting stretched further and further until something had to give. What gave was Tim falling into the lake right in the middle of the boat lift saddle. He let out one little cry that indicted to me and Jackson that the water was very cold. And at 52 degrees, the water was indeed cold.
Luckily, Tim was not hurt, only wet and cold. I quickly got the boat back into the lift as Tim climbed onto the dock. All three of us made our way back to the house where I got Tim a towel and he stripped off his soaking wet, cold clothes.
After changing into dry, warm clothes, and taking the time to place his jacket and shoes on the deck to dry in the sun (the rest of his clothes went into the dryer), we once again tried launching the boat so we could go fishing.
This time everyone remained in the boat and we motored our way to the Birches, dropped in the drift sock, and let the 15 mph wind push the boat at about 3/4 mph toward Second Duck Point; where a flotilla of some 30 boats was gathered.
Tim caught several medium-sized perch, none of which we kept, I caught a couple of perch and northern, while on this trip Jackson was skunked. We went ashore around 1:30 p.m.
After a dinner of wild rice brats, corn and Cole slaw, we went back on the water to do some evening fishing; not trolling, however, just drifting and jigging.
The wind was still about 15 mph out of the north, the temperature was around 50 degrees, the sky was clear, the moon was 96 percent waxing (full moon officially on May 17), and the water temperature was 52.5 degrees.
We tipped our Northland Tackle eyeball jigs with shiners and made several drifts in and around a waypoint I'd set; I'd caught a 24-inch walleye last year at this particular spot so I marked it on my GPS.
We caught a few perch, I caught a 13-inch walleye (which immediately went back into the lake), and Tim hooked something -- probably a northern -- that snapped his line. We stayed on the water until about 9:00 p.m., just after sunset, then made our way ashore. We didn't keep any fish, but it was nice to catch the first walleye of the season; just one day after opener.
Tim, Jackson and I listened online to the end of the NHL Western Conference finals Game 1 between the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks, which the Canucks won 3-2. We then played some cards and went to bed.
It was another wonderful day on Leech Lake.
At 10:30 a.m. Tim, Jackson and I put on some jackets and warm clothes and made our way to the cabin in order to launch the boat and do some fishing of our own. The wind was still blowing around 15 mph, so the waves made it tricky to get the boat off the lift. I asked Tim and Jackson to help steady the boat as I lowered it into the water.
I didn't see exactly what happened, but when I looked up, Tim had his hands on the inside roof of the boat lift and his feet were on the gunwale of the boat as the boat was backing out of the lift. I expected Tim to let go of the lift, but instead he just kept getting stretched further and further until something had to give. What gave was Tim falling into the lake right in the middle of the boat lift saddle. He let out one little cry that indicted to me and Jackson that the water was very cold. And at 52 degrees, the water was indeed cold.
Luckily, Tim was not hurt, only wet and cold. I quickly got the boat back into the lift as Tim climbed onto the dock. All three of us made our way back to the house where I got Tim a towel and he stripped off his soaking wet, cold clothes.
After changing into dry, warm clothes, and taking the time to place his jacket and shoes on the deck to dry in the sun (the rest of his clothes went into the dryer), we once again tried launching the boat so we could go fishing.
This time everyone remained in the boat and we motored our way to the Birches, dropped in the drift sock, and let the 15 mph wind push the boat at about 3/4 mph toward Second Duck Point; where a flotilla of some 30 boats was gathered.
Tim caught several medium-sized perch, none of which we kept, I caught a couple of perch and northern, while on this trip Jackson was skunked. We went ashore around 1:30 p.m.
After a dinner of wild rice brats, corn and Cole slaw, we went back on the water to do some evening fishing; not trolling, however, just drifting and jigging.
The wind was still about 15 mph out of the north, the temperature was around 50 degrees, the sky was clear, the moon was 96 percent waxing (full moon officially on May 17), and the water temperature was 52.5 degrees.
We tipped our Northland Tackle eyeball jigs with shiners and made several drifts in and around a waypoint I'd set; I'd caught a 24-inch walleye last year at this particular spot so I marked it on my GPS.
We caught a few perch, I caught a 13-inch walleye (which immediately went back into the lake), and Tim hooked something -- probably a northern -- that snapped his line. We stayed on the water until about 9:00 p.m., just after sunset, then made our way ashore. We didn't keep any fish, but it was nice to catch the first walleye of the season; just one day after opener.
Tim, Jackson and I listened online to the end of the NHL Western Conference finals Game 1 between the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks, which the Canucks won 3-2. We then played some cards and went to bed.
It was another wonderful day on Leech Lake.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Walleye Opener 2011 at Leech Lake
Another grey, overcast day with a temperature of 36 degrees at 9:30 a.m. and winds varying from 10-20 mph, with gusts even stronger. A cold walleye opener in Minnesota.
There have been anywhere from 4 to a dozen boats in front of our house battling choppy water and a stinging mist being blown by the stiff winds The boats we've seen that have caught fish have pulled in nothing more than a couple of small perch. It doesn't appear to be a strong opener; at least not near Second Duck Point on Sucker Bay.
Tim, Jackson and I hung around the house for most of the morning and afternoon, and at 3:00 p.m. we went over to John Newman's cabin for an early BBQ dinner of brined, beer-can chicken and "danger dogs, street style."
After our dinner fare, Tim and Jackson helped me get the canopy on the boat lift; not an easy task with the wind still blowing at a good 10-15 mph clip out of the north. But with some muscle and determination, we got the canopy on the lift. We then loaded the boat with tackle, supplies, the landing net, drift sock and other necessities for walleye fishing, and at just after 7:00 p.m. local time hit the water in my Lund Pro V 1800 for the first time this fishing season.
With nearly 20 boats crammed between our house and Second Duck Point, I made the decision that we would begin fishing in 12 feet of water north of our place, up near the Birches. The 150 hp Mercury Verado got us to our destination quickly, where we deployed the drift sock, tipped our Northland Tackle , eyeball jigs with shiners and began fishing.
Very soon after dropping my line in the water I felt that familar "weight" on the end of my line and went to set the hook. For just a split second I felt the weight of the fish on the line, but then the line snapped. It must have been a northern pike because it bit right through my 8-lb Berkeley Fireline Crystal. Although it is possible it could have been a walleye.
We made several drifts from the Birches to Malay's cabin and Jackson and I caught a few perch each, but unfortunately Tim was skunked. Jackson had the nicest fish of the outing, catching a jumbo perch that measured just a hair over 12 inches. A truly big perch; which we put in the live well.
The water temperature was 52 degrees, surprisingly warm since ice-out was May 1, the wind was still 10-15 mph out of the north, making for some nice swells on the lake, and the moon was 90 waxing (full moon on May 17).
We came in around 8:45 p.m., which is the time the sun officially set at our location, unloaded a few things from the boat, then got a campfire going at the cabin fire pit. About 9:30 p.m. John stopped by to join our conversation, and we stayed outside near the fire until almost midnight.
We all had a great walleye opener at Leech Lake, even though none of us boated a walleye. Well, there's always tomorrow.
There have been anywhere from 4 to a dozen boats in front of our house battling choppy water and a stinging mist being blown by the stiff winds The boats we've seen that have caught fish have pulled in nothing more than a couple of small perch. It doesn't appear to be a strong opener; at least not near Second Duck Point on Sucker Bay.
Tim, Jackson and I hung around the house for most of the morning and afternoon, and at 3:00 p.m. we went over to John Newman's cabin for an early BBQ dinner of brined, beer-can chicken and "danger dogs, street style."
After our dinner fare, Tim and Jackson helped me get the canopy on the boat lift; not an easy task with the wind still blowing at a good 10-15 mph clip out of the north. But with some muscle and determination, we got the canopy on the lift. We then loaded the boat with tackle, supplies, the landing net, drift sock and other necessities for walleye fishing, and at just after 7:00 p.m. local time hit the water in my Lund Pro V 1800 for the first time this fishing season.
With nearly 20 boats crammed between our house and Second Duck Point, I made the decision that we would begin fishing in 12 feet of water north of our place, up near the Birches. The 150 hp Mercury Verado got us to our destination quickly, where we deployed the drift sock, tipped our Northland Tackle , eyeball jigs with shiners and began fishing.
Very soon after dropping my line in the water I felt that familar "weight" on the end of my line and went to set the hook. For just a split second I felt the weight of the fish on the line, but then the line snapped. It must have been a northern pike because it bit right through my 8-lb Berkeley Fireline Crystal. Although it is possible it could have been a walleye.
We made several drifts from the Birches to Malay's cabin and Jackson and I caught a few perch each, but unfortunately Tim was skunked. Jackson had the nicest fish of the outing, catching a jumbo perch that measured just a hair over 12 inches. A truly big perch; which we put in the live well.
The water temperature was 52 degrees, surprisingly warm since ice-out was May 1, the wind was still 10-15 mph out of the north, making for some nice swells on the lake, and the moon was 90 waxing (full moon on May 17).
We came in around 8:45 p.m., which is the time the sun officially set at our location, unloaded a few things from the boat, then got a campfire going at the cabin fire pit. About 9:30 p.m. John stopped by to join our conversation, and we stayed outside near the fire until almost midnight.
We all had a great walleye opener at Leech Lake, even though none of us boated a walleye. Well, there's always tomorrow.
Friday, May 13, 2011
May 13, 2011 -- On Leech Lake
I woke up early this morning -- 6:00 a.m. CDT -- and the temperature was a brisk 36 degrees. The sky was overcast and grey and the wind was blowing at 10-15 mph out of the north. I stayed in bed for an hour or so thinking I might fall back asleep, but no such luck. So I got up, made some coffee, got online and read the Detroit and San Jose newspapers getting each city's view of last night's Sharks 3-2 win over the Red Wings in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.
At 8:30 a.m. I gave John Newman a call and asked if he was ready to help me get my boat in the water, which he had offered to do yesterday. He was up and ready so we convened at the boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. The boat was in the lift by 9:15 a.m., and all went according to plan.
The wind, which was still around 15 mph from the north would have made getting the lift canopy on a challenge, so we decided to wait until Saturday or Sunday when the winds are supposed to be much less stiff.
As I write this at just after noon, I see a bank of heavy mist or light rain moving across Sucker Bay toward our house. It's already cold and damp outside, and this light rain should make everthing wet.
Although Blogger.com is back up and running -- it had been down for a couple of days -- it still seems to be having trouble with formating. There is way too much white space in my last post, and despite multiple attempts to edit the entry, it keeps posting the way you see it. I'm hoping all will be fixed by the time I post this entry.
Kathleen's brother Tim and his son Jackson are on their way up to Leech Lake to take part in a the grand Minnesota tradition of walleye opener, which begins tonight at midnight. In an effort to be completely legal, I applied my new boat license stickers to the boat before I put it in the water, and I bought my 2011 fishing license from Birch Ridge Resort this morning.
Tim and Jackson arrived at the lake around 3:00 p.m. By that time there was a steady, light rain falling and the wind had picked up a little. The temperature was reading a cool 36 degrees.
We contemplated going fishing, but it was simply too rough to take the boat out. I don't mind the cold and rain, but I'm not going to have the boat bounced around in the boat lift getting out onto the lake and returning to the lift. There's simply too much chance of damaging the boat.
So instead we stayed in the house, had pizza for dinner and then watched a movie. The weather report for walleye opener is more rain, more strong winds and slightly warmer temperatures, in the mid-40s. If the weather changes, and I feel it's OK to go out onto the lake, we will go fishing. The report for Sunday is clear skies, warmer temps, in the 60s, and lighter winds. Sunday looks light the better day for fishing.
I'll file another report tomorrow.
At 8:30 a.m. I gave John Newman a call and asked if he was ready to help me get my boat in the water, which he had offered to do yesterday. He was up and ready so we convened at the boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. The boat was in the lift by 9:15 a.m., and all went according to plan.
The wind, which was still around 15 mph from the north would have made getting the lift canopy on a challenge, so we decided to wait until Saturday or Sunday when the winds are supposed to be much less stiff.
As I write this at just after noon, I see a bank of heavy mist or light rain moving across Sucker Bay toward our house. It's already cold and damp outside, and this light rain should make everthing wet.
Although Blogger.com is back up and running -- it had been down for a couple of days -- it still seems to be having trouble with formating. There is way too much white space in my last post, and despite multiple attempts to edit the entry, it keeps posting the way you see it. I'm hoping all will be fixed by the time I post this entry.
Kathleen's brother Tim and his son Jackson are on their way up to Leech Lake to take part in a the grand Minnesota tradition of walleye opener, which begins tonight at midnight. In an effort to be completely legal, I applied my new boat license stickers to the boat before I put it in the water, and I bought my 2011 fishing license from Birch Ridge Resort this morning.
Tim and Jackson arrived at the lake around 3:00 p.m. By that time there was a steady, light rain falling and the wind had picked up a little. The temperature was reading a cool 36 degrees.
We contemplated going fishing, but it was simply too rough to take the boat out. I don't mind the cold and rain, but I'm not going to have the boat bounced around in the boat lift getting out onto the lake and returning to the lift. There's simply too much chance of damaging the boat.
So instead we stayed in the house, had pizza for dinner and then watched a movie. The weather report for walleye opener is more rain, more strong winds and slightly warmer temperatures, in the mid-40s. If the weather changes, and I feel it's OK to go out onto the lake, we will go fishing. The report for Sunday is clear skies, warmer temps, in the 60s, and lighter winds. Sunday looks light the better day for fishing.
I'll file another report tomorrow.
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