High Expectations for Quetico Park Fishing?

For many years, some of us have wondered what it would be like to fish in Quetico Provincial Park…if there was no fishing allowed in the park for a couple years. Through the course of events since the late winter of 2019-20, we’re about to find out.

When the Canadian Border closed back in the spring of ’20 because of the pandemic, nobody really knew what was in store for travel into Canada…let alone, the Quetico. As the weeks and months went by, hopes of a prompt re-opening were dashed, one month at a time. As the 2021 season approached, hopes were once again lifted, only to be subsequently squelched.

Wildfire in the BWCA and Quetico

Meanwhile, on the Minnesota side, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was accommodating…at a record pace. That is, until the drought conditions really took hold. Record lack of precipitation escalated into fire danger, which became wildfires…burning both in or near the Boundary Waters and especially in the Quetico Park.

So, while the border closure was loosening up late this summer, the large fires burning and fire danger were clamping down. Several parts of the BWCA were closed as was the case in the Quetico, and eventually both were closed entirely.

The good news is that cooler weather combined with much needed rainfall, along with the seasonal change has really helped with the wildfire situation.  Fire crews are working hard to gain the upper hand in Minnesota and while resources have been seriously limited for Quetico, the situation in the park is also much improved.

With all these factors playing out, one could wonder how this might affect the fishing going forward. One thing I would say is that fishing in the Canoe Country is already pretty darn good, even in peak times.

When you take away any or all the fishing pressure for an extended period of time, it sure won’t make it worse! So, if you can’t sneak a trip up this fall, start thinking about next season. Odds are pretty good for a fresh start on the Quetico fishing front.

Keep in mind however, that fishing is fishing. Don’t think the fish are gonna just jump in the canoe because they haven’t seen you in a couple years. You still have to be in the right place at the right time doing the right thing with the right bait!

After all, that why they still call it fishing…not catching. We look forward to seeing you again next season…if not this one.