What's Going on in the North Woods

  • Around The Base

  • The Fishing Corner

  • The Scouter's Scene

  • Tip For the Outdoor Photographer

  • More Great Information

This newsletter is designed to help keep you current on the issues of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Provincial Park, to give you information on Williams and Hall Outfitters, and to share some of our knowledge and love of the outdoors and the BWCA wilderness around us. We hope you enjoy these articles and share them with your friends.

Around The Base

Many thanks and a well-deserved vacation!

First, thank you for a wonderful 2016 season.  For those of you who made it to Moose Lake, we hope you had a "trip of a lifetime" experience in the Boundary Waters.  And, we hope to see you again soon.

Blayne and Charlene are off on a well-deserved vacation.  Of course, they are on a paddling adventure of their own.  They are paddling the Allagash Wilderness Waterway of Maine. They report absolutely incredible fall colors.

Adventure On!

The Fishing Corner

The End of Another Fishing Season in Canoe Country

As we’ve come to the end of another canoeing season in the Boundary Waters, so to has the end come for the canoe fishing season. True, there are some hearty souls still venturing out but with the leaves coming down and the rainfall accompanied by snow flurries more and more often, it’s only a matter of time before the “hard water” starts taking over the creeks and lake edges. The loons are gray now…sporting their winter plumage. They’ll keep fishing, though, to build the strength for the migration to winter warmth somewhere in the Gulf or Southeast coast. Some of the last ones hang around until the ice pushes them out.

This is the time when the Canoe Country fisherman reflect on the season past. There’s the jubilation of that 6 lb. smallmouth bass or the 10 lb. walleye. There’s the exasperation from the one that got away or the favorite lure that was stolen by that big pike! For some, it was struggling to catch enough for dinner, while others caught more than they could eat. Mostly though, it was about making fishing memories that will last a lifetime. Maybe this season past, you introduced your son or daughter to Canoe Country fishing or perhaps after much time apart, you reunited with family or friends on your favorite Boundary Waters lakes. Either way, the experience will be remembered in a special way.

Fishing in the Boundary Waters is a bit more than just catching fish, it’s a complete experience…a learning experience. It’s important that you learn something new each time you go. A new spot, a new lake, a new tactic… as rewarding as it is to learn or hone your fishing skills, it’s good to learn your fishing companions as well. I realized a long time ago that not everyone wants to fish through the night or in the rain & wind like I’ve been known to do. Make sure you have a happy medium to accommodate the level of fishing enthusiasm within your group. Remember, it’s a complete experience.  It’s as exciting for me to watch someone in my group catch a fish as it is catching my own. Take what you know from your past canoe fishing seasons to build your next fishing adventure. Whether you’re planning a return to your old haunts, looking for some new experiences or just want to learn some new fishing techniques for your next trip, we’re here to help.

As we look to the next canoe fishing season, remember the last one(s) to enhance your future canoe fishing adventures. We hope that we’ve helped in at least a small way, to have made those adventures happen and look forward to many canoe fishing seasons ahead.

Dave

Fish On!

The Scouter's Scene 

High Adventure Planning Time Is Here

Fall means cooler weather and falling leaves.  It also means time to start planning your Boy Scout Troop's 2017 high adventure trip.  The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers one of the finest venues for high adventure in the United States.  A true wilderness, scouts can learn so much about nature, paddling and themselves.

And, we know scouts like no other outfitter in Canoe Country.  Blayne Hall is an Eagle Scout and Scouter.  We can relate to the needs of the troop leaders as well as the boys. Give us a call and we will help you plan a safe and successful high adventure.

Trek On!

Tip For the Outdoor Photographer 

Bird Won't Wait For You in the BWCA

 

When photographing wild birds, remember that birds won't sit still for long.  Have your camera ready and know how to use it.  Practice with your camera in your backyard before you head into the wilderness so that you will be able to act quickly when that photo opportunity presents itself during your wilderness adventure.  And remember not to approach too closely and stress the birds, particularly if they are on the nest.  That is a "cardinal sin" (bad pun intended).

Shoot On!

We Can Help You Secure Your 2017 Permits for Boundary Waters  and Quetico

Quetico Park permits are available no sooner than 5 months, to the day, ahead of the actual start date and Boundary Waters permits will available for application on a first-come, first serve basis in mid-January.

Remember...We are happy to secure your Canoe Country permits at no extra charge!

The 2016 Season has ended, but the work is just starting!

During the off-season we are continually making improvement to our facilities and equipment.  One improvement already underway is the purchase of a large generator for our lodge.  Other improvements are also planned.

We look forward to helping you plan your 2017 Boundary Waters Paddling Adventure!

Paddle On. Be Free.

From your friends at Williams and Hall,
Charlene, Blayne, Dave and Kevin
Williams and Hall Outfitters and Canoe Adventures
williamsandhall.com
(218) 365-5837
canoe@williamsandhall.com