Glad to hear my dad and I aren’t the only ones who think Cabela’s has gone to crap. Really miss the bargain cave. I can’t think of one positive development there in the last 5 years, only negative ones. Jeez. They deserve to be flung on the scrap heap of retail failures; I have no doubt that’s their future.
Wife and I went to Entry Point 64 last year and had a great trip. Several lakes of small to medium size with short portages. Didn’t plan it that way, but I don’t think we had a portage longer than 55 rods or so. If you’re looking for shorter portages, you don’t usually find as many lakes strung together with only short portages, so I think it’s a great option that way. Had good fishing (pic from fishing at the campsite), and scenic as well. Wish we’d had better weather, but you get what you get.
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I see Filson is selling some these days, for what it’s worth. There’s one store in the “North Loop” of Mpls. Might get lucky and see them at the outlet store in Eagan in a couple months…
What really stuck in my craw was when I heard the ignorant Los Angeles types on TV refer to these idiots as “hunters.” I think as hunters and outdoorsmen it is incumbent on us to point out that these two are POACHERS.
On another note, I thought Alaska had the reputation of treating wildlife crimes aggressively. Can’t believe they basically ended up with wrist slaps.
Tried maple syruping this year for the first time- so glad I did. I was thinking about tapping our birch trees up north, but learned their sap doesn’t flow until later. There was a lot of snow up north last week- had to wear snowshoes- but the sap started flowing. Anyway, I wrote about my experience for my blog. Not necessarily informational, just about my first-time experience.
I ended up with 7 ounces of syrup, which is nothing to brag about, but this is to encourage anybody who’s thinking about trying it to just do it! It’s also a GREAT way to get kids into the outdoors, for those who have kids in their lives.
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Thanks, all. I’ve recently heard/read a lot of different things, so this helps. I called around and it does sound like some resorts are struggling with their roads right now. I think I have a spot identified for tomorrow.
And thanks, Andy. I happened to call Lyback’s today because I’ve heard about the “tullibee hole” but never been there. Whoever it was I talked to (young woman, name maybe started with M?) said the hole isn’t doing anything special, and might start getting good in a couple weeks.
Hope to have some pics to share tomorrow night!
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>roosterrouster wrote:</div>
Eelpout is freshwater cod…Lutefisk is made with Cod from Norway so basically you ate Lutefisk!
Not even close…
Uh, yeah. Not the same fish, not remotely the same treatment.
Anyway, I really wanted to try this last season and tried to getting into them a couple times. Came up empty handed. If anybody knows of a hot eelpout bite, let me know! (File that under “things you thought you’d never hear”)
There is a rough trail to shermans flat from the public access by casino. It would be a two mile walk. There were trucks out there Saturday.
That’s good intel, thanks. So beyond ready to get out there, I’ll accept a 2 mile walk. Are you saying there were trucks all the way out on the flat? Yeesh. Braver than me. 
More to the point, does anybody know if I can walk to the Sherman Point/Sherman Flat area right now? Been calling around and can’t find a good answer. Wanted to try Curly’s Flat, but that doesn’t look too good right now either.
Is there a time of year that is best for Lakers? Also, are there other “easy access” lakes that house Lakers? or is it mainly the ones mentioned?
Any insight into what makes Lakers “Hot or Not?”
Seems all the best fishing I’ve had is when it’s damn cold outside, which agrees with advice I read before I ever tried it. The pics I have from our best days show us really bundled up. That’s probably the best general advice I could give, because like other fish and game, we take our chances when we go out, and might have to work to figure out what kind of mood they’re in. They’re not or they’re not when you show up. Lake trout are probably my favorite ice fishing quarry, so it’s definitely worth a try.
If you’re not married to the idea of going to Ely, you might try going over to the Grand Marais/Gunflint area, because there are a lot more lake trout lakes over there, and many are very accessible. I was hoping to go up there later this week, but with all the snow they got in the last week or so, I’m going to have to do some research first. Don’t want to go into a situation where there is a ton of water on the ice.
Good luck!
I called Terry’s yesterday and they said they have roads out into the bay(s), but waiting to make roads out to the flats. He said they’re getting out there on snowmobiles and ATVs
Following…. Are you seeing water on the ice? I’d like to get up there later this week, but not if it’s going to be miserable for this on-foot fisherman.
Only for bear. Turkey guiding is not legal, the rest is unregulated.
I just stumbled onto this thread from a web search. Fun thread to read (and mercifully, fairly short), but I’m wondering if anybody (Merican?) can point me to an original source to back this up. I’d like to know more. TIA
Canoes are dangerous this time of year be careful. If you will be by Ely I may have a good lake for you-
Oh yes, we’re taking that very seriously. I’d like to take you up on that offer, but we won’t be too close. Thanks anyway
So far I’m encouraged. 
I’ll be sure to weigh in after the fact…but that will be perilously close to deer season, so hopefully by Thanksgiving! 
Manwich.
I had success by just going to the deeper spots with mud bottom, and they were there. Small lures. Great fight, great average size, AWESOME smoked. Wanted to take my kids out on a nice day, but the stars never aligned. Would like to try other lakes this year.
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No, you cannot put nets in just any water. I found the netting regs (not that well-publicized) and I’m familiar with all of that. Personal use permit is $10 I think. I did call somebody at the Finland fisheries office the other day to ask about the specific lakes I’m going to target. Just looking for someone experienced who feels comfortable sharing some tips.
